Support Team

Jericka Lyon

Jericka is a paralegal at the firm. Her primary area of focus is family law, working closely with attorney, Tracy Lyson. Jericka graduated Summa Cum Laude from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. While at MSUM,  she was inducted into the MSUM Chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi National Honor Society in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies.  She began working for O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys in February 2010. Prior to joining O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys, Jericka worked at law firms in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Jericka is also a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association.

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, along with 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.

Mackenzie Noer

Mackenzie is a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys. She assists attorneys Timothy O’Keeffe, Tatum O’Brien, Sara Carlson and Madison Marchus in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal defense. Mackenzie graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies. She was an intern before she was hired full-time at the firm in 2011.

Sharon K. Oliver

Sharon is a paralegal in the Real Estate Department of O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys. She assists Real Estate attorneys, Dean Rindy and Alex Jenson. A Fargo South High School graduate, Sharon graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She continued her education, graduating with a degree in Paralegal studies from the University of North Dakota. Sharon earned the prestigious Certified Paralegal designation from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). She is one of only a few Certified Paralegals in North Dakota. She is currently a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association and NALA. Before joining the O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys team, she worked for a Fargo law firm for several years. She joined the firm team in August of 2021.

Jana Halling

Jana is a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys. She assists several of the firm attorneys, particularly in the practice areas of criminal law and family law. Jana graduated from Warroad, Minnesota High School and earned her paralegal degree from Rasmussen College in Fargo, North Dakota. Following graduation, she worked for two law firms in Fargo. She became part of the O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson team in April 2021.

Darcie Wahl

Darcie is a paralegal at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys in the Estate Planning department. Her primary focus is on assisting attorney Brandon Erickson in estate planning and probate law cases. Darcie graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. She brings extensive experience to the firm having worked at smaller law firms in the Fargo-Moorhead area.  Darcie joined the O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys team in August of 2022.

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 oversight of administration for the firm. In addition, she supports attorneys in the firm who focus on personal injury, criminal law and business litigation.  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.

Mia Fisher

Mia is the primary Receptionist at the firm. In addition to her telephone responsibilities, she assists with various administrative support tasks. Prior to joining the firm in September of 2024, Mia’s experience included positions in customer service and retail.