Erika Carrasco leads the Emerging Technology team at Field Law. As a litigator with experience in the insurance, construction, energy and emerging technology sectors, Erika has achieved success for her clients at all levels of Court in Alberta. Erika has a wealth of experience providing advice and solutions to her clients relating to corporate commercial matters, builders’ liens, property and commercial general liability, product liability, wrap-up, builders’ risk and motor vehicle claims.
Erika's practice includes providing risk management advice to her clients to help them minimize the likelihood of future disputes that disrupt their business operations. More recently, she has focused a significant part of her practice on helping clients navigate the dynamic legal, business and insurance landscape of emerging technologies and risks, including drones, autonomous vehicles, and among other areas.
Erika is one of few lawyers in Canada with litigation experience in Drone Law. In 2017, she was counsel in one of the first convictions and appeals in Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. A seasoned speaker at insurance, construction and technology events, Erika has been asked to present to the media and on panels provincially, nationally and in the US.
Value to Clients
Erika takes a proactive approach to helping clients overcome legal challenges, both in litigation and in developing risk management strategies to avoid the courtroom altogether. Clients appreciate her willingness to learn about every aspect of their businesses and her focus on developing the ideal practical solution for resolving a dispute or preventing future losses. This approach enables Erika to gain a full understanding of their goals and concerns, identify complex problems.
Outside the Office
Erika spends as much of her free time as possible traveling to destinations around the world where she can surf and scuba dive. A busy parent with four children, she is committed to serving her profession and the community and is a long standing volunteer for the Canadian Bar Association, University of Calgary Student Legal Assistance, Pro Bono Law Alberta, and Calgary Legal Guidance.
Unmanned Systems Canada
Board of Directors
2020 - Present
SCG Legal
Board of Directors
2019 - Present
Canadian Bar Association Alberta, Construction Law Section (South)
Treasurer
2009-Present
Law Society of Alberta
Member
2005-Present
Calgary Bar Association
Member
2005-Present
Association of Women Lawyers
Member
2005-Present
Canadian Bar Association
National CEO Selection Committee
2016
Canadian Bar Association, National Young Lawyers Section
Chair
2015 - 2016
Canadian Bar Association, National Young Lawyers Section
Executive Member
2015 - 2016
Canadian Bar Association, Construction Law Section (South)
Member
"Future Star"
Benchmark Canada
2018 - 2020
"Lawyer to Watch" Litigation - Commercial Insurance
Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
2018 - 2019
University of Calgary Student Legal Assistance
Volunteer
2003 - Present
Canadian Bar Association
Volunteer, Legal Expo Conference
2007 - 2007
Calgary Drop-In Centre Legal Aid
Volunteer
2004 - 2005
In addition, Erika's experience includes:
Successfully arguing an appeal of the first convictions pursuant to the federal regulations governing drones. The reported decision will have an impact across Canada as this new area of law grows and develops
Representing a client in a lawsuit alleging product defect liability against multiple parties along the supply chain, negotiating dismissal and indemnification of a national supplier of commercial plumbing and sewage piping products
Conducting a comprehensive risk management audit, developing standard owner and subcontractor agreements and helping streamline overall business processes for a leading landscaping and snow removal company
Pandemic Liability
The Morning News with Sue Deyell and Andrew Schultz, CHQR
(7:07) Erika Carrasco discusses how COVID-19 will affect the insurability of long-term care facilities post-pandemic.
New Canadian Drone Regulations
Ted Henley, CityNews
(3:54) Erika Carrasco discusses the new rules for flying drones in Canada that come into effect on June 1, 2019.
Will new rules for drone flights in Canada make our skies safer?
Judy Aldous, CBC News
Transport Canada published new rules for flying drones in Canada that come into effect on June 1, 2019. Erika Carrasco discusses these new rules and answers questions on Alberta at Noon with Judy Aldous.
Could new technology keep drones from spying on you?
Vanessa Hvratin, National Post
Erika Carrasco offers perspective on the current challenges facing the drone industry, and how new technology and privacy laws could impact future drone legislation.
Legal eagle to explain how to soar like a drone properly
Peter Caulfield, Journal of Commerce
Ahead of Calgary Buildex 2017, Erika Carrasco provides background on her presentation on safe, legal use of drones: It's a Bird, It's a Plane, No It's a Drone! Legal Know-how for Successful Use and Operation of UAVs on Construction and Commercial Real Estate.
First Calgarian convicted for flying drone wins new trial after appeal
Shawn Logan, Calgary Herald
Erika Carrasco grants insight into the complexities of UAV Regulations in Canada, and her involvement as counsel in the appeal of the first person in Calgary charged under those Regulations.