Erik Slechta focuses his practice on employment litigation and counseling, as well as complex commercial, product liability, and environmental matters. Erik has more than 20 years of experience representing clients in federal and state courts across multiple jurisdictions, handling complex matters from pre-litigation investigation through trial and appeals. He develops and executes comprehensive legal strategies, ensuring consistent positions and efficient, proactive discovery management, including aggressive defense designed to deter potential claims.
- Co-lead counsel representing a general aviation manufacturer in a wrongful death claim related to products liability and general negligence in a four-week jury trial where plaintiff sought damages exceeding $20 million.
- Represented an engine manufacturer in a four-week wrongful death jury trial resulting in a complete defense verdict on product design and manufacturing defect claims.
- Served as second chair in an eleven-week products liability, wrongful death, and personal injury jury trial resulting in a favorable verdict for the client.
- Developed comprehensive legal strategy for a long-term manufacturing client, including document retention policies and employee witness training through seminars and mock depositions.
Admissions
- California
Education
- J.D., cum laude, Syracuse University College of Law, 1999
- Chief Articles Editor and Founding Member, Syracuse Journal of Law and Technology
- Associate Editor, Journal of Legislation and Policy
- Teaching Assistant, Syracuse University College of Law Technology Transfer Program
- B.A., Economics, University of California, San Diego, 1995
Clerkship
- Judicial Extern, Hon. Lisa Hill Fenning, U.S. Bankruptcy Court