For over 15 years, Erin practiced in federal court as an Assistant Federal Defender for the Western District of North Carolina where she represented clients under federal investigation and charged with federal crimes. Recognized for her trial experience and leadership qualities, Erin was elevated to the position of Trial Unit Chief for the Charlotte Division of the Federal Public Defender. As the Trial Unit Chief, Erin handled a full caseload while managing a team of trial attorneys and legal staff. She also acted as a liaison between the Federal Public Defender and federal agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, The U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the U.S. Probation Office.
Erin also serves as faculty for national trial skills training programs and electronic case management workshops.
Passionate about service, Erin is an active member of the Mecklenburg County Bar and Bar Foundation. In 2013, she was identified as an emerging leader and nominated to join the MCB Bar Leadership Institute. From there, her leadership roles within the organization included chairing various committees, conducting investigations for the Grievance Committee, and serving on the Board of Directors. After being elected to the Executive Committee in 2018, Erin was elected President of the Mecklenburg County Bar in 2022.
Professional & Civic Engagement
- Mecklenburg County Bar and Bar Foundation (2011-Present)
- President (2022-2023)
- Executive Committee (2018-2022)
- President-Elect (2021-2022)
- Vice President (2020-2021)
- Secretary (2018-2020)
- Grievance Committee (2013-2016, 2019-2022)
- Board of Directors (2016-2018)
- Committee Service (Regulatory) Committee (2012-2016), Chair/Vice-Chair (2014-2016)
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee (2015-2018)
- MBF McMillan Fellowship Fund Committee (2017-Present), Chair (2020-2021)
- DE&I Pipeline Programming Subcommittee (2011-2023), Co-Chair (2015-2016)
- Lawyers As Volunteers Advisory Panel (2014-2016)
- Diversity Day Subcommittee (2012)
Honors & Awards
- North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society (2023)
Thought Leadership
Presentations
- Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), Building Trial Skills Academy, 2024
- Faculty, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Techniques in Electronic Case Management, 2024
- Faculty, Federal Criminal Defense Practice Annual Seminar for Middle & Western Districts of NC, 2023
- Faculty, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Electronic Courtroom Presentation Workshop, 2019, 2022-2024
- Panelist, Criminal Justice Day, Leadership Charlotte, 2022
- Panelist, panel on E-discovery, ABA Southeastern White Collar Crime Institute, 2021
