Erica was born and raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. She attended the University of Michigan and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications in 2000. She accepted a position as an Assistant Account Executive with Harris Marketing Group in Ann Arbor, focusing on the marketing and public relations for a General Motors' breast cancer awareness project. In 2001, Erica began law school at Wayne State University in Detroit and received her Law Degree in 2004. While attending Wayne State, Erica was a member of the Moot Court team and was elected the Director of Oral Advocacy in 2002. Erica worked at the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic from 2001 until 2002, assisting probation and parole violators who had been admitted into drug rehabilitation programs.

Erica was admitted into practice in the Michigan State and Federal Courts in November 2004. She began her legal career as an Associate Attorney with Even & Franks, in Muskegon, practicing in the areas of commercial litigation and real estate transactions. Erica knew her passion was in the area of family law, and she accepted a position with DAWN (Divorce Attorneys for Women) in June 2005. Although her initial background was outside the family law arena, Erica instantly began to zealously represent her clients in all family law matters.

Erica's entrepreneurial spirit is a natural characteristic, having grown up in a home with a father who is a flourishing business owner adored by his staff. It was no surprise that Erica's aspiration was to follow in her father's footsteps. As fate would have it, Erica realized that Jennifer Johnsen shared her dream. The two opened their boutique law firm in August 2006. In August 2010, she became a founding member of Velzen, Johnsen & Wikander.

Erica's goal is to vigorously represent her clients and protect their interests and legal rights. She recognizes that each individual has different needs. Erica is committed to providing individual attention and candid legal advice.

Areas of Practice

• Divorce
• Custody
• Visitation
• Property Division

Bar Admissions

• Michigan, 2004

Education

• Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan, 2004
  J.D.
  
  
• University of Michigan, 2000
  Bachelor of Arts
  Major: Communications
  
  

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Grand Rapids Bar Association
  Member
  
  
• American Inns of Court - Gerald R. Ford Chapter
  Member
  
  

Past Employment Positions

• Even & Franks, Muskegon, Associate Attorney
• William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, 2001 - 2002
• DAWN (Divorce Attorneys for Women), 2005
• Harris Marketing Group, Ann Arbor, Assistant Account Executive

Birth Information

• Farmington Hills, Michigan