ERICA IRIZARRY
Riverview
Summary
Dedicated and mission-driven attorney with courtroom, public defense, prosecutor, and military leadership experience. Committed to pursuing justice with fairness, integrity, and strategic precision. Brings a strong foundation in trial advocacy, criminal law, and public service.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
T State Attorney
State Attorney's Office 13th Judicial Circuit
08.2025 - Current
- Prosecute a high-volume misdemeanor caseload of approximately 400+ cases, including DUI, battery, theft, drug offenses, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations, from filing through disposition.
- Serve as lead trial attorney in misdemeanor proceedings, including jury trials, delivering opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, evidentiary objections, and closing arguments.
- Argue contested motions and evidentiary hearings, including motions to suppress, motions in limine, and motions to revoke pretrial release.
- Independently manage all phases of prosecution, including case screening, charging decisions, arraignments, pretrial conferences, motion practice, and plea negotiations.
- Analyze and evaluate evidence such as law enforcement reports, body-worn camera footage, forensic results, and witness statements to determine trial strategy and case resolution.
- Appear regularly in county court handling daily dockets, hearings, and trials, demonstrating strong courtroom advocacy, judgment, and time-management skills.
- Work closely with law enforcement officers, victims, witnesses, and victim advocates, ensuring ethical compliance and adherence to Brady/Giglio obligations.
Assistant Public Defender
Law Office of Lisa B. McLean
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Provided comprehensive legal defense to indigent clients charged with offenses ranging from juvenile delinquency and misdemeanors to serious felony crimes.
- Litigated cases from arraignment through trial, including two bench and six jury trials involving charges such as battery, driving under the influence, improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon, trafficking in fentanyl, and juvenile delinquency.
- Handled every stage of litigation, including probable cause determinations, bond hearings, plea negotiations, pretrial motions, evidentiary hearings, and sentencing advocacy.
- Drafted and argued substantive motions including motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, and exclude testimony based on constitutional and evidentiary grounds.
- Maintained a demanding caseload while providing personalized client representation with consistent communication, thorough investigation, and strategic planning.
- Developed defense theories, examined and cross-examined witnesses, and delivered persuasive opening and closing arguments in front of both judges and juries.
- Coordinated with investigators to develop comprehensive trial defenses and mitigation packages.
- Advocated for alternatives to incarceration, diversion programs, and rehabilitative services in juvenile and adult court settings.
- Built strong working relationships with judges, prosecutors, probation officers, and social services to ensure fair outcomes.
Legal Analyst - ERISA
Guidant Financial
05.2023 - 09.2024
- Conducted legal research and analysis on issues related to ERISA, fiduciary responsibility, qualified retirement plans, and employee benefit regulations.
- Reviewed plan documents, trust agreements, investment policies, and third-party service provider contracts for compliance with federal law and Department of Labor (DOL) regulations.
- Drafted internal memoranda, compliance reports, and risk assessments for use by executive leadership, in-house counsel, and business units.
- Collaborated with compliance, HR, and investment teams to evaluate and implement governance procedures ensuring adherence to fiduciary obligations and prohibited transaction rules.
- Assisted with internal audits, DOL inquiries, and plan-level investigations by preparing documentation and legal summaries.
- Supported the negotiation and review of plan-related service agreements, fee disclosures, and reporting obligations under Form 5500 and other regulatory frameworks.
- Contributed to the institution’s risk management strategy by identifying emerging ERISA compliance issues and proposing proactive solutions.
Civil Litigation Attorney
DSK Law
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Represented clients in civil litigation matters involving breach of contract, business disputes, negligence claims, and premises liability from case initiation through resolution.
- Drafted pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and legal memoranda with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and persuasive advocacy.
- Conducted depositions, mediations, settlement conferences, and court hearings.
- Evaluated liability and damages theories, developed litigation strategy, and advised clients on risk exposure, trial posture, and settlement options.
- Managed discovery process, including reviewing evidence, deposing fact and expert witnesses, and responding to interrogatories and subpoenas.
- Negotiated settlements and prepared releases, ensuring protection of client interests and compliance with applicable statutes and case law.
- Presented oral arguments on dispositive motions such as motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment.
- Worked closely with insured clients, corporate representatives, opposing counsel, and courts to advance case objectives efficiently and ethically.
- Conducted legal research and remained current on developments in tort law, contract law, and civil procedure.
- Maintained detailed case files, billing records, and status reports for firm management and insurance carriers when applicable.
Battalion S-3
United States Army
01.2005 - 05.2020
- Served as the principal staff officer responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising all training, operations, and mission execution for a battalion of 230 personnel.
- Developed and executed tactical and operational plans, including live-fire exercises, deployment readiness, and security operations, in accordance with military regulations and international law.
- Managed and synchronized complex operational schedules, training events, and logistical support across multiple units and agencies.
- Directed the preparation and dissemination of operational orders, intelligence summaries, risk assessments, and mission briefs to subordinate leaders and staff.
- Oversaw the implementation of operational directives with attention to legal, ethical, and strategic requirements in both domestic and deployed environments.
- Conducted after-action reviews (AARs), internal audits, and operational assessments to improve effectiveness and mitigate risk.
- Maintained operational security (OPSEC), developed standard operating procedures (SOPs), and advised the battalion commander on readiness and tactical posture.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Tampa, FL12.2021
BA - Psychology
SNHU
Manchester, NH04.2018
Skills
- Chain of Command Leadership & Decision-Making
- Criminal/Civil Law & Procedure
- Trial Advocacy
- Oral & Written Advocacy
- Evidence & Legal Research
- Case Strategy & File Management
- Ethical & Professional Responsibility
Timeline
T State Attorney
State Attorney's Office 13th Judicial Circuit
08.2025 - Current
Assistant Public Defender
Law Office of Lisa B. McLean
06.2024 - 08.2025
Civil Litigation Attorney
DSK Law
09.2023 - 05.2024
Legal Analyst - ERISA
Guidant Financial
05.2023 - 09.2024
Battalion S-3
United States Army
01.2005 - 05.2020
BA - Psychology
SNHU
Juris Doctor -
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
MILITARY SERVICE & HONORS
- CPT, Army
- Jan. 2005 – May 2020
- Awards: Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/10 year, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M device, Driver and Mechanic Badge — Mechanic, Driver and Mechanic Badge w/ Driver Wheeled Vehicle(s).