Erika Carrasco is a lawyer focused on helping clients navigate the dynamic legal, business and insurance landscape of emerging technologies, including drones, cyber security, autonomous vehicles, blockchain, and AI.
Erika works with clients to develop effective legal strategies to meet their specific needs and goals. She understands the stakes of litigation and its impact on reputation and business operations. By providing proactive risk management advice to her clients, Erika helps minimize the likelihood of future disputes.
Erika’s creative approach helps her identify innovative solutions for clients in continually evolving areas. Not afraid of the new and unknown, Erika is the only lawyer to have successfully argued an appeal of a charge against a drone operator under the Canadian aviation regulations.
With a background in insurance and construction litigation, Erika has a wealth of experience providing advice and solutions to her clients relating to corporate commercial matters, property and commercial general liability, product liability, wrap-up, builders’ risk, motor vehicle claims, and builders’ liens.
As a result of her unique experience and focus, Erika is sought after by the media and various industries to provide her insight on emerging technology law provincially, nationally and in the US.
Value to Clients
Erika takes a proactive approach to help 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 focus on developing the ideal practical solution for resolving a dispute or preventing future losses. This approach enables Erika to fully understand her client’s goals and concerns and 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
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.
As a young female entrepreneur in the aerospace industry, it was important to Alietum’s founder, Jennifer Waugh, that her legal representation was both personable and approachable. Through their involvement with Unmanned Systems Canada, Jennifer met Fielder Erika Carrasco and found what she was looking for. “Not only is Erika a leader in emerging technology law, but she is a strong female voice in a traditionally male dominated industry” said Jennifer.
Field Law supports Alietum with all its legal matters, including providing advice on issues unique to drone regulation and the industry. Talking about her experience working with Erika, Jennifer said, “Erika's knowledge and experience of the legal and industry issues impacting drone technology is invaluable to my business. When additional support is needed, Erika is able to reach out to a strong team of fellow lawyers at Field Law. Erika is confident and concise in her advice, and I trust her to professionally represent me and my company’s best interests.”