Support Team

Erin Nodland

Erin is a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys, working primarily on personal injury cases, as well as criminal defense.  She assists attorneys Tim O’Keeffe, Tatum O’Brien, Sara Carlson, and Madison Marchus on all aspects of case management and has worked on civil and criminal proceedings in state, federal, and appellate courts in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Erin was the firm’s first paralegal intern, and has been a full-time team member since 2009 following her graduation from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Kayla Peterson

Kayla is a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys and assists attorneys Tim O’Keeffe, Tatum O’Brien, Sara Carlson and Madison Marchus with personal injury and medical malpractice-related claims.  She also assists Tatum O’Brien on criminal defense matters, at both the state and federal levels.  After starting out as an intern, she began working full-time for the firm following her graduation in 2012 from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Winter Brekhus

Winter is a Paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys. She assists attorneys Tim O’Keeffe, Tatum O’Brien, Sara Carlson and Madison Marchus, primarily focusing on the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal defense. Winter attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies. She interned at the firm while attending Minnesota State University Moorhead and joined the firm full-time in 2016.

Nicole Michaelson

Nicole is a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys. Her primary focus is Estate Planning and she works closely with attorney Brandon Erickson. Nicole attended Jamestown (ND) College where she studied Criminal Justice and Psychology. She interned at the Juvenile Parole and Probation office and at the Stutsman County Clerk of Court’s office. Her work history includes being a Correctional Officer II at the James River Correctional Center and 12 years with an international legal document outsourcing firm. She earned her Paralegal certificate from the University of North Dakota. Prior to joining the firm in September of 2024, she worked at another local law firm.

Mandy Kramer

Mandy is a legal administrator and Office Manager at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys. She is responsible for the oversight of administration for the firm. In addition, she supports attorneys in the firm who focus on personal injury and criminal law.  A West Fargo native, Mandy earned her degree in Legal Administration from Northwest Technical College. She has been part of the O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys team since January 2004.

Tricia Fossen

Tricia is a legal assistant at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys. She assists several of the firm attorneys. Tricia, a Fargo native, graduated from Fargo North High School and earned her Legal Administration degree from Northwest Technical College, graduating with honors. While in college she interned at the Moorhead Public Defender’s office. Following graduation, she worked for a small law firm in Moorhead, moving to a larger Fargo firm where she worked for several years. She became part of the O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys team in May 2019.

Kelly Freeman

Kelly is an Intake Specialist at the firm. Her primary focus is to gather details from potential clients who have contacted the firm and provide those to the appropriate team for consideration. Her concentration is primarily on calls from people looking for a Personal Injury or Family Law attorney. Kelly’s background includes having worked in a law firm in Indiana prior to moving to our community. She joined the firm team in early 2024.