Erika Richards

Contact Details

Erika Richards

Assistant: Lisa Spaven

She/Her

Practicing at Woodward and Company since 2022, Erika’s work spans litigation; Aboriginal, environmental, and administrative law, specific claims, as well as supporting Indigenous governments with legislative drafting and employment matters. Her litigation practice predominantly focuses on assisting Nations tackle the historical and ongoing colonial frameworks causing harm to the Nations, their members, and their Aboriginal rights, while her legislative work focuses on assisting Nations in re-asserting their right to self-governance over critical areas.

Erika’s drive to work in law initially emerged from her deep concern for the environment. While studying law, it became clear to her that Indigenous peoples are rightfully leading the charge to reintegrate sustainable practices using the knowledge they developed over millennia–the realization of which continues to deeply motivate her work at the firm.

Erika is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, where she trained as a classical musician and obtained a Bachelor of Music in trumpet performance–eventually going on to master the same subject at the University of Victoria. She also secured her law degree from the University of Victoria, graduating with a certificate in environmental law and sustainability.

Prior to her position at the firm, Erika worked as a legislative analyst with the Province of B.C.. She was also an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 2014-2022, working in particular with the Air Cadet Gliding Program and mentoring youth. Erika first joined the Woodward and Company team as an articling student in 2020, before beginning her practice as a lawyer in 2022. She is a member of the B.C. Bar.

Membership & Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Law Society of British Columbia (2022)
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association

Practice Areas

  • Aboriginal and Treaty Rights
  • Aboriginal Title
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Consultation and Accommodation
  • Employment and Human Rights
  • Indigenous Legal Orders and Law
  • Regulatory Processes and Hearings
  • Specific Claims