Erica Graves is a trial lawyer and litigation partner in Manatt’s Consumer Protection and Advertising practice. She focuses on defending companies in advertising injury, consumer fraud class actions and complex commercial litigation. Erica brings a strong track record representing clients through all stages of litigation and across a wide array of industries, including food and beverage, supplements, cosmetics, fashion, chemicals and renewable energy.

Erica also counsels businesses on the development of compliant, consumer-facing messaging while mitigating litigation and regulatory risks. She regularly advises companies on product labeling, marketing claims, environmental claims and compliance, and endorsements.

BUSINESS LITIGATION

Erica represents businesses in high-stakes commercial litigation, securing trial victories and advantageous settlements across a range of subject matters, including contract disputes, consumer actions, environmental enforcement actions, Lanham Act litigation and patent disputes.

FALSE ADVERTISING AND CLASS ACTION DEFENSE

Erica defends companies in threatened and active class actions involving product ingredients and contaminants, environmental claims, labeling, advertising, country-of-origin claims and pricing. Combining litigation experience with regulatory insight, she effectively assesses risk and pursues efficient, business-focused outcomes.

Erica helps clients assess and repel government enforcement actions relating to product advertising and environmental claims.

REGULATORY ADVICE AND THREAT PREVENTION

Erica helps clients develop compelling, legally-compliant product labels and marketing campaigns. She advises on product launches, marketing risk reviews, advertising oversight and brand endorsements to ensure messaging is consistent, substantiated and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Drawing on her litigation experience, Erica helps clients anticipate government enforcement and class action trends, including high-risk claims, and advises on compliance with FDA, FTC, Consumer Product Safety Commission and state regulatory requirements, as well as Proposition 65 and green marketing guidance. Erica likewise helps companies comply with environmental requirements, including Extended Producer Responsibility laws.

PROPOSITION 65 ADVICE AND DEFENSE

Erica’s scientific background informs her approach to Proposition 65 claims and defenses. She has handled numerous Proposition 65 threats, often securing withdrawal of the claim or negotiating prompt, efficient resolutions. Erica represents companies—including international brands and retailers—in Proposition 65 litigation.

BACKGROUND

A longtime advocate for social justice, Erica maintains an active pro bono practice supporting individuals and nonprofit organizations in matters involving intellectual property, civil rights, pardons and housing advocacy.

While at Pepperdine University School of Law, Erica externed for Justice Eileen C. Moore of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, and served as managing editor of the Pepperdine Law Review.

Before law school, Erica worked in the Napa Valley wine industry, making, analyzing and selling wine for leading labels. She holds a science degree with a specialization in microbiology and immunology from the University of Melbourne in Australia.