Karen Tjapkes

Karen Tjapkes is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in advocacy and litigation. Serving at Legal Aid of Western Michigan since June 2000, Karen has held the positions of Director of Litigation, Director of Strategic Litigation, and Staff Attorney. Additionally, Karen has contributed as an Expert Advisor for the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice since 2014. Karen also played a leadership role as Chair of the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness for two terms, from January 2017 to January 2018 and January 2021 to January 2022. Academic credentials include a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law (2000) and a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, obtained in 1997.