Erica R. Graves

Biography

Erica is a skilled litigator with experience representing clients in advertising injury claims, business litigation, and intellectual property disputes in both state and federal courts. Erica represents a diverse array of clients across various industries, including cosmetics, construction, and fashion. Erica’s breadth of experience enables her to successfully represent clients through all stages of litigation, from case analysis, to motion practice, discovery, trial, appeal, and settlement.

To help her clients head off litigation and government enforcement actions, Erica advises companies regarding compliance with new and ongoing regulations relating to advertising, labeling, and other consumer practices. Erica has also represented large companies in an array of complex matters, including environmental enforcement actions, False Claims Act claims, and consumer fraud litigation. Erica participated in a 10-month criminal bribery trial resulting in full acquittal. Additionally, Erica has deep experience in intellectual property litigation, and has represented an astronaut, artists, apparel companies, and numerous other clients in copyright, trademark, trade dress, and right of publicity matters.

As a lifelong proponent of social justice, Erica has proudly maintained a robust pro bono practice, assisting individuals and non-profit organizations in areas including civil rights, pardons, and housing advocacy.

While at Pepperdine University School of Law, Erica externed for Justice Eileen C. Moore at the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District. She also served as managing editor for the Pepperdine Law Review.

Prior to law school, Erica worked in the Napa Valley wine industry for six years, making, analyzing, and selling wine for some of the Valley’s most prestigious labels.  She also earned a science degree specializing on microbiology and immunology from the University of Melbourne, Australia. Her scientific background allows Erica to assist clients effectively in their technical litigation and regulatory matters.

Experience

  • Negotiated a favorable settlement for a cosmetics company in a putative class action for false advertising, fraud, and unfair competition.
  • Achieved a $65 million settlement against a group of healthcare companies in a qui tam False Claims Act federal court action.
  • Secured summary judgment for a wildlife artist against a claim of copyright infringement, which was affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Recognitions

  • 2018–2023, Southern California “Rising Star,” listed in Super Lawyers

Credentials

Admissions

  • California
  • U.S. District Court - Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Southern District of California

Education

  • Pepperdine University School of Law, JD
  • University of Melbourne, BS