Providing expert legal services in Wake and the surrounding counties, including assistance from a dedicated child custody lawyer, a knowledgeable divorce attorney, and experienced family law professionals!
Meet VP Law
Shawna D. Vasilko, Managing Partner & Owner
Shawna Vasilko is a founding partner at Vasilko & Pedersen, where she focuses her practice on family law and family law appeals. With over two decades of legal experience, Shawna is a dedicated advocate for her clients, guiding them through complex and often emotional legal matters with skill, compassion, and a results-driven approach.
Shawna began her legal career as a paralegal in Memphis, Tennessee in 2003, working in criminal defense before expanding her experience in North Carolina to include personal injury and bankruptcy law. This diverse background provides her with a well-rounded perspective that benefits her family law practice today.
She earned her Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 2019, where she served as Vice-President of the Campbell Law Innocence Project (CLIP) and as Project Coordinator for Campbell’s re-entry project in coordination with Legal Aid of North Carolina. During law school, she also participated in the Trial of the Advocate program in St. Andrews, Scotland. Shawna furthered her legal education by earning her LL.M. from Nottingham Trent University in 2019, where her dissertation explored restorative justice as a quasi-victim’s right. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
After law school, Shawna became a junior partner at Dobson Law Firm, where she handled a wide range of cases from simple divorces to complex equitable distribution matters before co-founding Vasilko & Pedersen.
Shawna is licensed to practice in North Carolina, as well as the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina. She remains actively engaged in her community and is passionate about helping families navigate difficult transitions.
Outside of her practice, Shawna lives in Wake Forest with her husband, their three children, and a house full of beloved pets.
Christian Pedersen, Managing Partner & Owner
Chris Pedersen is a founding partner at Vasilko & Pedersen, where he focuses his practice on residential and commercial real estate closings, estate planning, partitions, and expunctions. Known for his practical approach and dedication to client service, Chris works closely with individuals, families, and businesses to guide them through important legal decisions with clarity and confidence.
Born and raised in Cary, North Carolina, Chris brings strong local roots and a deep understanding of the community he serves. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and Business Administration from University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2016, with a concentration in Marketing, and was selected as a member of the Cameron Executive Network. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 2021.
Prior to law school, Chris worked in outside sales serving the law enforcement community, where he developed strong communication and client-focused skills that continue to benefit his practice today. During law school, he gained valuable in-house experience with Oak Grove Technologies and later worked as a paralegal with Dobson Law Firm. After passing the North Carolina Bar, Chris continued with the firm as an attorney before co-founding Vasilko & Pedersen.
Chris is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and is committed to providing efficient, results-driven representation both inside and outside the courtroom.
Bre DelosSantos, Office Manager
Biography
Bre is the Office Manager at Vasilko & Pedersen, where she plays a vital role in ensuring the firm operates efficiently and seamlessly. From client communications to day-to-day office operations, Bre is the backbone of the team, keeping everything organized and running smoothly.
Originally from Upland, California, Bre has lived in several states across the country—including Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas—before returning to North Carolina to be closer to family. She earned her Human Resources Certification from Martinsburg College and plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in the near future.
Bre is deeply family-oriented and enjoys spending her free time supporting her children at their sporting events, relaxing at the beach, and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes as they chase another Stanley Cup title. She also loves reading and spending time with her beloved pets, Oliver and Suko.
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Daniela Pena-Guzman, Paralegal
Biography
Daniela is a skilled paralegal at Vasilko & Pedersen, where she assists attorneys in a wide range of matters including family law, civil litigation, and appellate law. Known for her attention to detail and strong organizational skills, Daniela plays an important role in supporting both clients and attorneys throughout the legal process.
A native Spanish speaker, Daniela is able to effectively communicate with and assist Spanish-speaking clients, helping ensure they feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Daniela graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2021, where she majored in criminal justice. Since then, she has gained valuable experience as a paralegal across multiple practice areas, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her work.
Education
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina
- B.A., Bachelor of Art
- Major: Criminal Justice
- Minors: Legal Studies and Spanish
- Concentration in Crime Analysis
Marissa Alford, Client Specialist
Biography
Marissa is the Client Specialist at Vasilko & Pedersen and is often the first point of contact for clients, whether by phone or in person. With her outgoing and welcoming personality, Marissa helps create a supportive and comfortable environment for clients navigating what can often be stressful legal matters.
A lifelong North Carolina resident, Marissa was born in Four Oaks and has proudly called the state home her entire life. She graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and plans to pursue her master’s degree in the near future.
Marissa has a passion for sports and enjoys cheering on the Carolina Panthers—even through the tougher seasons. She has recently taken an interest in playing flag football and attending live sporting events. Outside of the office, Marissa enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.
Education
· Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina
o B.S., Bachelor of Science
o Major: Education
Fitzgerald Pawsgraf Pedersen
Biography
Fitzgerald “Fitz” Pawsgraf is the beloved office pup at Vasilko & Pedersen, where he serves as the firm’s unofficial morale booster and client greeter. Since joining the team, Fitz has quickly become an integral part of the office, bringing comfort, smiles, and plenty of tail wags to everyone he meets.
Born in December 2023 in South Carolina, Fitz was rescued by Pawfect Match and later brought to the Raleigh area to live with a foster family. On April 10, 2024, he found his forever home when he was adopted by founding partner Chris Pedersen. Since then, Fitz has been warmly embraced by the entire VP Law team as the firm’s official “law pup.”
During the workday, Fitz can be found soaking up attention around the office, greeting clients, and ensuring morale stays high. After hours, he enjoys tagging along to the softball field or relaxing at home while watching sports with his dad.
Fitz is currently focused on his puppy training and has already mastered the art of puppy eyes and enthusiastic greetings. Looking ahead, he aspires to become “legal counsel” for influencer pups across social media.
You can follow Fitz’s adventures on Instagram @fitzgeraldpawsgraf.