ERICA W. HARRIS

In the dynamic and often challenging landscape of Texas business, legal disputes can arise that threaten a company's very foundation or an individual's financial well-being. When these high-stakes situations emerge, having a lawyer who is not only profoundly knowledgeable but also a proven force in the courtroom is absolutely essential. For those in Houston and across the Lone Star State seeking such a formidable advocate, Erica W. Harris, a distinguished partner at Susman Godfrey L.L.P., stands out as a premier choice. Known for her exceptional trial skills and unwavering commitment to her clients, Ms. Harris has earned a reputation for successfully navigating some of the most complex commercial, intellectual property, and antitrust litigation.

Erica W. Harris is recognized as one of the nation's leading litigators, known for her ability to distill intricate information into clear and convincing arguments for judges and juries. Her approach is rooted in a deep understanding of her clients' businesses, allowing her to tailor strategies that achieve significant results. Whether representing Fortune 100 companies or smaller businesses and individuals, Ms. Harris brings vigor, grit, and a determination to win every case she undertakes. For Texans facing critical legal challenges, her presence provides a powerful advantage, ensuring their interests are protected and vigorously pursued.

Erica W. Harris practices from the Houston office of Susman Godfrey L.L.P., conveniently situated in the vibrant heart of downtown. This prime location ensures easy access for clients throughout the Greater Houston area and beyond.

The firm's address is:

1000 Louisiana St #5100, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Being located in one of Houston's most iconic buildings on Louisiana Street places the office within easy reach of major highways, making it accessible for those driving from various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs. Numerous public parking options are available nearby. Furthermore, for those utilizing public transportation, the downtown area is well-served by Houston's METRORail system, with several stops just a short walk from the office. This central and well-connected location underscores Susman Godfrey L.L.P.'s commitment to providing convenient access for all their clients, facilitating seamless consultations and meetings in a professional environment.

Erica W. Harris's practice at Susman Godfrey L.L.P. focuses on a broad spectrum of complex commercial litigation, demonstrating her versatility and deep expertise across various industries and legal areas. Her services are tailored to both plaintiffs and defendants, always with an eye towards trial victory. Key areas of her practice include:

• Business Litigation: Representing clients in a wide array of business disputes, including breach of contract claims, business torts, and other general commercial disagreements that arise in the corporate world. She has experience with cases where the amount in controversy is hundreds of millions of dollars.
• Intellectual Property Litigation: Handling disputes related to intellectual property rights, such as patent, trademark, and copyright infringement cases. Her work in this area involves protecting the innovative assets of businesses and individuals.
• Antitrust Litigation: Addressing complex cases involving anti-competitive practices, monopolies, price-fixing, and other violations of antitrust laws, ensuring fair market competition.
• Energy Litigation: Specializing in disputes within the oil and gas sector, a particularly relevant area in Texas. She regularly litigates cases for major energy companies like Chevron U.S.A., Inc., related to various energy industry issues, including climate change litigation.
• Environmental Litigation: Engaging in legal disputes concerning environmental regulations, liabilities, and damages.
• Mass Tort and Complex Docket Management: As lead counsel, she manages large dockets of cases for major corporations, focusing on expert work and negotiating favorable settlements or dismissals for numerous claims, such as parking lot collision cases for Walmart Inc.
• General Civil Litigation: Possessing a robust background in general civil trial law, allowing her to take on diverse and challenging cases in federal and state courts across the country, as well as in international arbitrations.
• Pro Bono Work: Regularly represents nonprofits and individuals on a pro bono basis, demonstrating a commitment to community service beyond her commercial practice.

Ms. Harris's strategy in all these areas revolves around preparing each case meticulously for trial, a methodology that consistently yields significant results for her clients.

Erica W. Harris's career and practice are distinguished by an impressive array of features and highlights that affirm her standing as a top-tier litigator:

• Exceptional Trial Acumen: Known for her ability to "try bet-the-company cases" in federal and state courts across the country and in international arbitrations, she focuses on distilling complex information into clear and convincing arguments for judges and juries.
• Versatile Representation: Successfully represents both Fortune 100 companies, such as Chevron, KBR, and Total Energies, and smaller businesses and individuals, often in "David versus Goliath situations" where alternative fee arrangements may be offered.
• Extensive Experience: A partner at Susman Godfrey L.L.P. since 1998, with a legal career dating back to 1996, providing her with decades of experience in high-stakes litigation.
• Distinguished Education: Graduated with highest honors from The University of Texas School of Law (J.D.), where she was Vice Chancellor (second in her class) and Order of the Coif, and magna cum laude from Rice University (B.A.).
• Esteemed Recognitions: Consistently named among the "Top 250 Women in Litigation" by Benchmark Litigation, one of the "500 Leading Lawyers" by Lawdragon Magazine (and recently named a "Lawdragon Legend"), and a "Litigation Trailblazer" by the National Law Journal. She is also a perennial Texas Super Lawyer, appearing on lists such as "Top 50: Women Texas Super Lawyers" and "Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers."
• Strategic Leadership: Serves on Susman Godfrey's Executive Committee and has chaired the firm's Employment and Practice Committees, demonstrating her leadership within a premier national firm.
• Mentorship and Community Involvement: Actively mentors lawyers within and outside her firm through the Houston Bar Association's Professionalism Committee and CareerSpring. She is also a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and the Houston Bar Foundation.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of a highly accomplished, strategic, and client-focused attorney dedicated to achieving superior outcomes for her clients.

While a firm like Susman Godfrey L.L.P., and by extension, a partner of Erica W. Harris's caliber, does not typically offer consumer-style "promotions," their operational model includes distinct advantages that serve as significant benefits to their clients, particularly those in Texas facing substantial commercial disputes:

• Contingency Fee Arrangements: Susman Godfrey is well-known for its willingness to handle complex commercial cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that for many plaintiff-side cases, clients are not required to pay attorney fees unless and until the firm successfully secures a financial recovery (through settlement or verdict). This arrangement significantly reduces the financial risk for businesses and individuals pursuing high-value claims, making top-tier legal representation accessible even when upfront legal costs might be prohibitive. This aligns the firm's financial incentives directly with the client's success.
• Strategic Investment in Cases: By potentially taking on cases on a contingency basis, the firm effectively "invests" in the client's success. This means they commit significant resources—time, expertise, and operational costs—to vigorously pursue the case, confident in their ability to achieve a positive outcome. This intensive dedication translates into a highly effective and committed legal team working on the client's behalf.

Prospective clients interested in exploring these fee arrangements for their specific commercial or intellectual property litigation needs are encouraged to contact Erica W. Harris's office directly for a confidential discussion.

For businesses and individuals in Texas seeking the highly-regarded legal services of Erica W. Harris at Susman Godfrey L.L.P., you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 1000 Louisiana St #5100, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Phone: (713) 653-7810

Mobile Phone: +1 713-653-7810

Directly contacting their Houston office is the most effective way to discuss your legal needs and explore how Ms. Harris and her team can provide expert assistance.

For businesses and individuals across Texas, particularly those navigating the intricate and often high-stakes world of commercial disputes, intellectual property challenges, or antitrust litigation, Erica W. Harris at Susman Godfrey L.L.P. stands out as an exceptionally suitable and advantageous choice. Her practice embodies the very qualities Texans value in legal representation: strength, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to results.

In the robust and competitive business environment of Texas, legal challenges demand not just legal knowledge, but also a formidable presence in the courtroom. Ms. Harris's reputation as a "Litigation Trailblazer" and her consistent recognition as one of the "Top 250 Women in Litigation" and a "Lawdragon Legend" demonstrate her proven ability to achieve wins in complex, "bet-the-company" cases. For locals, this means entrusting their critical legal matters to an attorney who is not only well-versed in the law but also adept at its practical application in trial settings—a crucial distinction for any serious dispute.

Her balanced experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, from Fortune 100 energy companies to smaller businesses and individuals, provides her with a comprehensive understanding of litigation strategies from all perspectives. This versatility is incredibly beneficial for Texans seeking an attorney who can anticipate every move and craft a winning strategy tailored to their unique circumstances. Furthermore, her willingness to consider contingency fee arrangements for qualifying plaintiff cases makes elite legal representation accessible, removing significant financial barriers for those seeking justice against larger entities.

Located conveniently in the heart of Houston, Ms. Harris and the Susman Godfrey team are deeply embedded within the Texas legal landscape. They understand the nuances of local courts and the specific needs of the Texas business community. Choosing Erica W. Harris means aligning with a lawyer who combines intellectual rigor, extensive trial experience, and a genuine dedication to her clients' success, making her an ideal and highly effective advocate for Texans facing their toughest legal battles.