Attorney Erika A. Riggs, a partner at Disability Law Group, is a renowned legal advocate and community leader. A graduate of Wayne State University Law School, Erika co-founded The 313 Project, a non-profit providing scholarships and pro-bono legal advice for at-risk youth. She actively contributes to community well-being as a board member and community activist, spearheading pro bono events and volunteer initiatives. She also served as a senior note and comment editor of the Wayne Law Review, property law teaching assistant, and small claims court mediator.
Since receiving her law degree, Mrs. Riggs has strictly specialized in assisting the disabled before the Social Security Administration and the VA. Erika can regularly be found in her community, engaging non-profits and volunteering at community events. Her compassion and commitment to under-served populations are as notable as her skilled and unique legal arguments. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Erika has received accolades such as the State Bar of Michigan Champion of Justice award in 2024, ‘Oakland Together 40 Under 40′ Class of 2023, 2022 ABA On the Rise Top 40 Young Lawyer award, eight consecutive Avvo’s Client Choice awards, and the esteemed 2024 Rising Star award for the seventh consecutive year by Super Lawyers (extended to less than 2.5% of attorneys practicing in Michigan). Her multifaceted achievements showcase her commitment to excellence, community service, and advocacy for those in need.
Erika is conversational in Spanish and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Macomb County Bar Association, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, and National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates. Mrs. Riggs is a current council member of the State Bar of Michigan Public Outreach and Education Committee and Executive Committee member for All-Well Being Services, where she enjoys strategizing new and creative ways to increase access to education and end the stigma surrounding mental health. Erika is accredited to practice before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her office is commonly referred to as the ‘chocolate factory’ – a title she takes quite seriously. She loves spending time with her family – traveling, martial arts, and exploring the outdoors.
Erika sits down with The GRITTY Business Podcast Ep. 04: Data-Driven Growth Strategies for Law Firms.
Erika appeared on Episode 116 of the Lawyer Stories podcast. You can listen to the episode in its entirety below, through Spotify or Apple.
Winner of The Crisp Effect content in 2022
Disclaimer: The content on this YouTube Channel is for educational and informational purposes only. This content does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should consult with a qualified attorney for legal guidance specific to their situation. While the information provided is accurate in a general context, it may not be applicable to specific cases. Use of this channel constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
- State Bar of Michigan, Champion of Justice award, 2024
- Oakland County Executive’s Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2023
- Crisp Effect Challenge, Winner, 2022
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent Award, 2022
- ABA On the Rise Top 40 – Young Lawyer Award, 2022
- Super Lawyer-Rising Star, 2018 – 2024
- Client Choice Award,’ Avvo, 2016 – 2022
- Leaders in the Law’ Award, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2021
- State Bar of Michigan, Young Lawyers Section, Regeana Myrick Outstanding Young Lawyer Award Finalist, 2018
- Notable Women in the Law,’ Crain’s Detroit Business, 2017
- Honors Pass, The WSU Asylum & Immigration Law Clinic, 2011
- Certified Civil Mediator, December 2010 – present
- Senior Note & Comment Editor and a Symposium Coordinator, The Wayne Law Review, 2010 – 2011
- Awarded the “Distinguished Young Leaders” award by the ESDI, 2009 – 2010
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives
Civic and Community Engagement
- Best Attorneys of America - 2024 Advisory Board Member, VA Disability & Social Security Claims
- State Bar of Michigan Public Outreach and Education Committee, member 2022 - present
- Free Legal Aid and Resource Fair, May 2022
- Board Member, All-Well Being Services, August 2021 – present
- Committee Member, Southwest Solutions Public Policy, April 2016 – 2017
- Board Member, Southwest Solutions Economic Solutions, February 2015 - 2017
- Founding Director, The 313 Project, October 2011 – present
Publications and Presentations
- Unlocking Social Security Disability Insurance: Strategies for Inclusion, Presented at the Oakland County Bar Association, January 2024
- Social Security Disability Insurance Presentation at Bingham Legal Group, January 2024
- Social Security Disability Insurance Presentation at Bingham Legal Group, October 2023
- Social Security Disability Insurance Presentation at ARC-Oakland County, December 2022
- Social Security Disability Insurance Presentation at TTI, December 2022
- Women, Law and Empowerment, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, March 2022
- Representing Veterans in their Claim for Social Security Disability Benefits, State Bar of Michigan, Social Security Section, March 2022 Newsletter
- Social Security Disability Hearings: Practice Tips and Strategic Guides, ProLaw CLE March 2021
- Social Security & Disability Presentation and Q&A at MRS, 2019