Erik grew up in a small town in upstate New York. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 and has spent most of his adult life serving in the military. Erik deployed twice to Iraq, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal with Valor device for his actions in combat. Erik later commissioned as an Engineer Officer through Officer Candidate School and after law school became a Judge Advocate. He continues to serve part-time in the Army Reserves and is currently an International Law Officer in a Civil Affairs Battalion.

Erik’s military service was a primary motivator for him to attend law school, with the goal of becoming a client-oriented litigator. The military taught Erik the value of standing up and fighting for others, especially when the system and odds seemed stacked against them. Erik graduated Cum Laude from the University of San Diego School of Law and later became a Deputy Public Defender in San Diego County. Conducting ten jury trials in his first year as a Public Defender, Erik immediately set himself apart as a resolute litigator. 

Erik’s practice is now dual focused, with an emphasis on both criminal defense and personal injury.

When not fighting tenaciously for his clients, Erik enjoys hanging out with his family, reading, and playing ice hockey.