CROUSE ERICKSON - Key Persons
Alison Erickson is a graduate of Gonzaga Law School whose practice focuses exclusively on family law. At Gonzaga Law School she was a merit scholar.
If you asked Alison what she most enjoys about her job as a family lawyer, she would say that she enjoys crafting creative solutions to her clients' problems. Sometimes the answer isn't obvious or isn't something the court is likely to order on its own, so it's her job to come up with something that suits multiple parties' interests and still falls within the parameters of the law.
Dana Brimmer is an experienced attorney focusing exclusively on family law. She is devoted to guiding individuals and families through complicated, emotionally charged legal issues. A long-term resident of the Spokane area, Dana's commitment to excellence and passion for the law were cultivated right here in the Inland Northwest. She began volunteering as a victim/witness advocate and was dedicated to serving the local community. Dana completed undergraduate studies at Harvard University. During her time in university, she was retained as a professional tutor for other students with the Harvard University Bureau of Study Counsel. She also earned a language citation in Spanish, and can assist Spanish-speaking clients. Dana earned her law degree from University of California, Davis School of Law where she was elected (and reelected) as a representative for the Law Student Association Board each year of attendance. She was an editor on multiple Law Student Journals and received a certification in Public Interest Law. After completion of college and law school, Dana desired to return to the Spokane area. Dana has had a diverse legal career that includes three years of work to represent families as a court-appointed contracted attorney with the Washington State Public Defender's Office, specializing in civil litigation and offering trauma-informed, hope-centered representation to Washington families during the dependency process. Her work with the Court in these family law-related areas directly led Dana to her current private family law practice. Beyond the practice of law, you will often find Dana hiking and camping in the mountains of Washington, Idaho and Montana. As much as she enjoys the outdoors, Dana also very much enjoys formal dance. She is also a dedicated reader, embracing a wide mix of topics and styles. Dana is honored to contribute skills and commitment to delivering the highest standard of legal services to clients at Crouse Erickson. Her motto is "Clients First." If you are facing family law challenges, Dana is here to guide you with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support.
He wasn't always drawn to law-in fact, he was accepted into medical school. However, a local prosecutor encouraged him to think about law school and after he applied to Gonzaga University School of Law, he received the Thomas More Scholarship (a full scholarship). His career path was thus decided. In 1991 he won the Linden Cup competition at the Gonzaga University School of Law as the law school's best oral advocate. In 1992, he followed that up with the National Moot Court award for best written brief in competition involving every United States law school.
Founding partner David J. Crouse authored "Divorce in Washington" and was published by Addicus Publishing, with his book being released nationwide in June 2014. A courtesy book is available to every firm client. You can trust us to provide you with the best service and to achieve consistently excellent results. Please refer to the attorney profile section of this site to learn more about the practice focus and experience of each firm attorney.
Karissa Shaffer is a litigation attorney with Crouse Erickson. Karissa earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management and her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. During law school, Karissa graduated with honors, received the CALI Award (highest class score), made the Dean's Honor List, mentored incoming law students as a Teaching Fellow, and worked in the Federal Tax Law Clinic.
During law school, Karissa began clerking for the Crouse Erickson office in Spokane. Her years of pre-graudation experience focused on child welfare and family law. She observed the long-term impact of dissolution on clients and learned to form an individual relationship with each client to see them through the process. Now as an attorney, Karissa has worked exclusively at the Crouse Erickson firm and strives to cultivate an environment where the legal system is available and inclusive to all clients.
Karissa practices family law exclusively. Her focus is constructing creative and fair resolutions while recognizing each case is unique. She provides firm advocacy in court. Karissa values client input during the entire process, recognizing the impact divorce has on nearly every aspect of the client's life.
When she's not at work, Karissa can be found paddleboarding, at a concert, on a hike, or barbequing with family. She participates in Bloomsday, Hoop Fest and many more of the activities Spokane has to offer.
Norann Beidas is a Litigation Attorney with Crouse Erickson Law. Norann earned her undergraduate degree from Whitworth University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law. While attending law school Norann was a finalist in the 2018 Linden Cup Competition and placed 3rd in the nation as Best Spoken Advocate while competing on the NALSA moot court team. She was a member of the Moot Court Honors Council, a board member for the Society of Litigators, and a recipient of the CALI Award in contract law.