About the Staff

Edward Shaw
Attorney
(218)825-7030
lawyer@edshawlaw.com
I have enjoyed the practice of law for 16 years. I truly enjoy helping people get through difficult situations. My practice areas include family law, bankruptcy, criminal defense, landlord-tenant, real estate, mortgage foreclosure prevention and wrongful mortgage foreclosure. When not at work I spend my time biking, skiing with my dogs, working on community projects, and traveling. I am also a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Paul Bunyan Cyclists and Northland Arboretum and serve on the Board of Directors for the YMCA and Brainerd Public Library.
-Ed

Anna Yakle
Associate Attorney
(218)825-7030
anna@edshawlaw.com
I am an Associate Attorney primarily handling probate, estate planning, and family law cases. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from a four year paralegal program prior to attending law school. During law school, I was awarded the Presidential Merit Scholarship and was invited to be an Associate on Hamline Law Review. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and reading and am the proud owner of Rudy, a rescue dog. I am also a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and Brainerd Area Sertoma Club and serve on the Board of Directors for the Brainerd Jaycees. I am delighted to be serving the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area.
-Anna

Marcia Thurmer
Legal Assistant/
Bankruptcy Specialist
(218)825-7030
marcia@edshawlaw.com
I am the senior citizen on the staff, having worked with Mr. Shaw for five years.  Originally I was the lone assistant, helping with the entire range of the cases, from family law to criminal.  As the pressing need for debt relief grew during the economic downturn in the last several years, bankruptcy cases moved from a corner of my desk to requiring almost all my attention.  Having now filed hundreds of bankruptcies, my confidence in our work has increased apace.  I thoroughly enjoy alleviating the stresses and anxieties our bankruptcy clients bring, and helping them get new starts to their lives.  I also enjoy the challenges of living green and growing food on the Happy Animal Ranch (where two pretty good kids were grown too), op-ed writing and other conservation activism.
-Marcia

Cathy Olson
Legal Assistant/
Business Manager
(218)825-7030
cathy@edshawlaw.com
I am a wife and mother of 3 with 2 foster children, one of whom we are in the process of adopting. In our spare time we like to camp, kayak, fish, bike, hike, and garden. I really enjoy working in a law office and assisting clients with their legal issues.
-Cathy

Melissa Johnson
Legal Assistant
(218)825-7030
melissa@edshawlaw.com
I grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area and graduated from the College of St. Scholastica. My last semester was spent in London where I earned a degree in Organizational Behavior. I continued my education in the legal field, and earned certification at the Minnesota Paralegal Institute. I am happy to be able to work and live in the area I enjoy.
-Melissa