Best Family Lawyer in Alaska
JEREMY COLLIER
Family Lawyer
Jeremy Collier is a lifelong Alaskan, born and raised right here in the Mat-Su Valley. During law school, he clerked for the public defender agency where he developed a passion for criminal defense and helping clients. After graduating from Western Michigan University, Thomas Cooley Law School in 2010, he returned to Alaska to serve the people of his community and make a home with his wife, Justine. From 2010-2011, he clerked for the Superior court in Kenai working on cases spanning all aspects of the legal spectrum.
After his clerkship, he began in private practice, again helping indigent defendants until he opened Collier Law in 2012. Since then, Jeremy has dedicated himself to helping Alaskans with their legal needs. Jeremy is a proud member of the Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (AKACDL) as well as the Alaska Association for Justice – an organization dedicated to helping injured Alaskan’s obtain a full and fair recovery.
JUSTINE
Family Lawyer
Justine, our office manager, was born and raised in the Mat-Su Valley. She has always loved the legal field and helped open Collier Law back in 2012. As the Office Manager, some of her duties include organizing office operations and procedures, controlling correspondence, designing filing systems, reviewing and approving supply requisitions, assigning and monitoring clerical functions, and maintaining office staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
When she isn’t managing the office, she takes care of two children, two cats, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. She loves spending time with her family, fishing, camping, and playing on the lake. Call the office today and let Justine take care of you!
Evan Barrickman
Family Lawyer
Evan was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated with honors from Dimond High School in the first graduating class of the Japanese Immersion Program. He went to Colorado State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration then returned to Alaska and worked as a field engineer for a large commercial construction company before starting law school.
Evan graduated cum laude from Willamette University College of Law and was a member of Moot Court and Law Review. Evan also received a certificate in Dispute Resolution and was nominated to the Order of the Barristers for his outstanding courtroom advocacy skills. Evan was also active in the Student Bar Association and was Vice-President of his class in his final year of law school.
Adam R. Franklin
Family Lawyer
Adam R. Franklin has been advocating for his client’s rights and interests in Alaska courts and administrative hearings since 2009. Adam relocated to Anchorage in 2008 to be a judicial law clerk for Anchorage Superior Court Criminal Judge Michael R. Spaan (Ret.). After his clerkship, Adam spent the next seven years defending indigent Alaskans charged with crimes, first for the Alaska Public Defender in Palmer and then the Office of Public Advocacy in Anchorage.
Adam has experience defending clients charged with almost every codified crime, including murder, sexual assault, and sexual abuse of a minor. He has extensive criminal pretrial and trial litigation experience, including dozens of jury trials where he obtained numerous not guilty jury verdicts. In addition to his practical experience, Adam honed his trial skills at the Trial Practice Institute at the National Criminal Defense College.
WILL WALTON
Family Lawyer
Will was raised in a rural, agricultural portion of Texas, and went on to study Agriculture and Business at Stephen F. Austin State University, earning a bachelors degree in Agribusiness, with Honors, in 1998. After working for an international automotive manufacturer and another national automotive corporation, Will turned his attention and dedication to the law.
Will attended Southern Methodist University’s Deadman School of Law, earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence, again with Honors in 2003. During his time at SMU, Will was a member and articles editor for the SMU Law Review.
He also worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for legal writing and contracts, as well as successfully engaging in their advocacy program.
SHANA THEILER
Family Lawyer
Shana Theiler has earned a reputation on the Kenai Peninsula for being a highly capable, aggressive, knowledgeable attorney; passionate about defending clients against the unreasonable pursuits of soon-to-be ex-spouses as well as protecting individual liberties against an ever pervasive and infringing government.
Shana is an experienced attorney in both civil and criminal matters, serving the Kenai Peninsula for over 13 years.
Specializing in child custody, equitable division in divorce and developing critical criminal defense strategies, she is always ready to fight the good fight. A skilled trial attorney and highly competent in motion practice (Motion to Suppress, Motion to Dismiss); Her comprehension of Alaska law, written and oral persuasive abilities and the ability to conduct quality legal research will give your your best odds at obtaining best possible results in your case.
Kara Nyquist
Family Lawyer
It’s important to have an attorney that is a good fit
for you. Any legal case is a difficult enough process that you don’t need the added stress of worrying about how your case is being handled.
You should feel comfortable and trust in your attorney that they are mindfully advocating for your best interest at all times. The most common feedback we hear from our clients is how responsive we are and how comfortable they feel with us.
Knowledge is power. Even if you cannot afford full representation, we can provide some unbundled assistance to reach a fair outcome in your case.
Jon-Marc Petersen
Family Lawyer
Hi, my name is Jon-Marc Petersen, and I used to work as a District Attorney in Palmer. Over the years, I have successfully handled many cases, from DUIs to Homicide to Theft cases. I am passionate about the law and helping people receive the justice they deserve. Starting my law practice has always been a dream of mine, and in 2007, I finally felt the timing was right to partner with Richard Payne to create Denali Law Group. Since then, we have expanded our private practice here in the Valley and have offered our clients a full range of legal services.
Our combined experience in criminal defense, law enforcement, prosecution, insurance defense, and personal injury sets us apart. With this vast knowledge, we can provide our clients with legal advice and representation. Having been involved in numerous jury trials in the Palmer Courts, we bring a wealth of experience to the table.
In Alaska, there are numerous family lawyers available to assist you with your legal needs. While I cannot provide specific recommendations, I can offer some general guidance on finding a family lawyer in Alaska:
Referrals: Seek recommendations from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with family lawyers in Alaska. They can provide insights into the lawyer’s professionalism, expertise, and effectiveness in handling family law cases.
Online Directories: Utilize online directories such as the Alaska Bar Association’s website or other legal directories that allow you to search for family lawyers based on location and practice area. These directories often provide information about the lawyer’s credentials, experience, and contact details.
Consultations: Schedule consultations with potential family lawyers to discuss your case. This will give you an opportunity to evaluate their knowledge, experience, and communication style. During the consultation, ask questions about their approach to family law, their experience with similar cases, and their fee structure.
Experience and Expertise: Look for family lawyers who specialize in family law and have substantial experience in handling cases similar to yours. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has a deep understanding of Alaska family law statutes, rules, and procedures.
Client Reviews and Testimonials: Read client reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of past clients. Online platforms, such as Google reviews or legal review websites, can provide you with an idea of the lawyer’s reputation and client satisfaction.
Alaska Bar Association: Visit the Alaska Bar Association website (https://www.alaskabar.org/) to access their lawyer referral service. This service can help connect you with qualified family lawyers in your area.
Initial Consultation: Take advantage of initial consultations that some lawyers offer. This allows you to discuss your case, ask specific questions, and evaluate whether you feel comfortable working with the lawyer.
Consider factors such as communication, trustworthiness, availability, and affordability when making your decision. It’s crucial to select a family lawyer who not only possesses the necessary legal skills but also understands your unique situation and can provide the support and guidance you need throughout your family law matter.