ERICA W. HARRIS

In the bustling economic environment of Texas, businesses and individuals often face disputes that can have significant, even "bet-the-company," implications. Navigating complex legal battles requires a trial lawyer who possesses not only deep legal knowledge but also the strategic acumen and persuasive power to secure favorable outcomes in the courtroom. Erica W. Harris, a distinguished partner at the renowned litigation powerhouse Susman Godfrey LLP in Houston, stands out as just such a legal professional.

With decades of experience and a track record of success in federal and state courts across the country, Ms. Harris has earned a reputation for tackling the most challenging commercial, intellectual property, and antitrust litigation matters. This article aims to provide Texas users with a comprehensive overview of Erica W. Harris's practice, highlighting her strategic location, the specialized services she offers, and the extensive accolades that underscore her position as one of the nation's leading litigators.

Erica W. Harris practices at Susman Godfrey LLP, a nationally recognized trial firm with a prominent office in Houston, Texas. Her office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Houston at 1000 Louisiana St #5100, Houston, TX 77002, USA. This address places her within one of Houston's most iconic skyscrapers and central business districts, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients throughout the greater Houston area and across Texas.

The building at 1000 Louisiana Street is a well-known landmark, making it easy to locate for visitors. For those commuting by car, numerous parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity, providing convenient options, though it's always advisable to consider downtown traffic and parking availability. Houston's public transportation system, including METRORail lines and various bus routes, offers stops within a comfortable walking distance, connecting the office to different parts of the city and surrounding communities. This prime and accessible location underscores Susman Godfrey's commitment, and by extension, Ms. Harris's, to being readily available to their diverse clientele for high-stakes legal matters.

Erica W. Harris's practice is deeply rooted in complex commercial litigation, where she represents both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes disputes. Her expertise spans a wide range of industries and legal issues, making her a versatile and formidable advocate. Her primary areas of focus include:

• Business Litigation: This is the core of her practice, encompassing a full breadth of commercial disputes from contract disagreements and business torts to general business disputes. She handles "bet-the-company" cases, where the stakes are incredibly high for the businesses involved.

• Intellectual Property Litigation: Ms. Harris possesses significant experience in intellectual property disputes, including cases involving trademarks, patents, and other proprietary rights. This is crucial for innovative businesses in Texas seeking to protect their valuable creations.

• Antitrust Litigation: She has a strong background in antitrust matters, which involve legal challenges related to monopolies, unfair competition, price-fixing, and other anti-competitive practices. Her work in this area ensures fair market practices.

• Environmental Litigation: While specific details are less frequent than other areas, her practice also includes environmental litigation, addressing disputes related to environmental regulations, damages, or liabilities.

• International Arbitrations: Beyond U.S. federal and state courts, Ms. Harris also represents clients in international arbitrations, showcasing her ability to handle cross-border commercial disputes.

Erica W. Harris's professional career is adorned with numerous distinctions and defining characteristics that solidify her reputation as a top-tier trial lawyer:

• "Bet-the-Company" Trial Lawyer: She is widely recognized for her ability to try "bet-the-company" cases, demonstrating her expertise and courage in high-stakes litigation where the future of a business is on the line.

• Consistent "Super Lawyer" Recognition: Ms. Harris has been consistently selected to "Super Lawyers" for Texas from 2013-2025, and previously to "Rising Stars" (2005-2009, 2011-2012). She is also frequently listed among the "Top 50 Women Texas Super Lawyers" and "Top 100 Houston Super Lawyers" for multiple years, including 2024 and 2025.

• National and International Acclaim: She is recognized as one of the nation's leading litigators by publications such as Lawdragon (named one of the "500 leading lawyers" and a "Lawdragon Legend"), Benchmark Litigation (one of the "Top 250 Women in Litigation" in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, and a "Litigation Star"), and The National Law Journal (a "Litigation Trailblazer").

• Clarity in Complex Cases: Ms. Harris is highly regarded for her ability to distill complex information into clear and convincing arguments for judges and juries. This skill is critical for effectively communicating intricate business and legal concepts in court.

• Client-Centric Approach: She is known for developing expert knowledge of her clients' businesses, ensuring that her legal strategies are deeply aligned with their commercial objectives and nuances. She communicates clearly about case strengths and weaknesses, setting realistic expectations.

• Distinguished Academic Background: Ms. Harris earned her J.D. with highest honors from The University of Texas School of Law, where she was Vice Chancellor (second in her class) and Order of the Coif. She also holds a B.A. from Rice University, magna cum laude. Following law school, she clerked for a U.S. District Court Judge and served as a Visiting Lecturer in Law at The University of Virginia School of Law.

• Commitment to Pro Bono & Mentorship: In addition to her demanding commercial practice, Ms. Harris regularly represents nonprofits and individuals on a pro bono basis and actively mentors lawyers through the Houston Bar Association's Professionalism Committee and CareerSpring, showcasing her dedication to the legal community and social responsibility.

In the highly specialized and demanding arena of complex commercial litigation, particularly with a top-tier trial lawyer like Erica W. Harris at a firm as distinguished as Susman Godfrey LLP, "promotions" in the traditional sense are not the standard. Instead, the "special offers" to clients in Texas come in the form of innovative fee arrangements and an unwavering commitment to achieving significant results.

Susman Godfrey is well-known for its willingness to embrace alternative fee arrangements, including taking on cases for both plaintiffs and defendants on a contingency fee basis. While specific terms are always tailored to the individual case, this means that clients may not incur hefty upfront hourly legal fees. For plaintiffs, the firm's compensation is often a percentage of the recovery, aligning their financial interests directly with a successful outcome. For defendants, innovative fee structures can provide cost certainty and risk mitigation. This approach significantly democratizes access to elite legal representation, allowing businesses and individuals to pursue justice or defend their interests without bearing the full burden of traditional hourly billing from the outset.

While a "free consultation" might not be explicitly marketed for every inquiry, it is a common practice for firms of Susman Godfrey's stature to engage in initial discussions to assess the merits of a potential client's case and determine if their unique approach and expertise are a good fit. This provides a valuable, low-risk opportunity for Texas businesses to explore their legal options with a nationally recognized litigator and understand the potential for such flexible fee arrangements.

For businesses and individuals in Texas facing complex commercial, intellectual property, or antitrust disputes, Erica W. Harris can be reached through the Houston office of Susman Godfrey LLP.

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

• Phone: (713) 653-7810

It is highly recommended to contact the firm directly during business hours to discuss your specific legal needs and inquire about Ms. Harris's availability for a consultation. Given the nature of their high-stakes practice, initial outreach will be handled with professionalism and directed to the appropriate legal expert for your complex litigation matter.

For Texans grappling with "bet-the-company" legal challenges, whether they involve intricate business disputes, the protection of intellectual property, or complex antitrust issues, Erica W. Harris at Susman Godfrey LLP offers an unparalleled level of legal advocacy. Her decades of experience, combined with her consistent recognition as one of the nation's top trial lawyers, make her exceptionally suitable for locals who understand the critical importance of having a formidable and strategic advocate in their corner.

Located conveniently in the heart of Houston's central business district, her office provides easy accessibility for clients across the state. What truly sets Ms. Harris apart for locals is not just her impressive trial record and numerous accolades, but her ability to simplify complex legal narratives for judges and juries, and her firm's innovative approach to fee structures. This allows Texas businesses and individuals to access elite legal representation without the prohibitive upfront costs often associated with such high-caliber counsel. In a state where business innovation and competition are fierce, Erica W. Harris provides the strategic vision, courtroom prowess, and client-focused dedication necessary to protect vital interests and achieve favorable outcomes. She is a trusted champion for justice, committed to ensuring that Texans have a strong voice when it matters most.