"Whatever It Takes"

For most people, hiring a lawyer is something they never expect to do. But when circumstances require hiring legal counsel, you want a lawyer who will listen to your concerns and help you navigate the complexities of civil litigation.

Meet Erika Bornstein, law firm partner and legal advocate extraordinaire. The steadfast leader has an impressive career; before launching Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group with her partner, she was an insurance defense attorney for one of the largest insurance companies in California. Erika amassed years of experience defending the insurance company and their policy holders. She has litigated hundreds of cases and represented her clients in mediations, arbitrations, and jury trials. Erika brought her wealth of experience and proficiency to her practice, where she represents clients involved in personal injury and real estate claims. She brings her expertise and dedication to every case she litigates, and she has garnered significant settlement awards as well as trial verdicts in favor of her clients. “It’s simple. Every day I work to be better. A better human being, a better lawyer for my clients, a better leader for my firm, a better citizen for my community,” she says.

Erika is also proud to be a staunch feminist and a hierophant for women’s rights. Erika supports gender equality and has committed herself to advocating for representation. Erika believes women must unapologetically occupy and own their professional space. Erika is dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses, hiring and promoting women in her practice, mentoring women who are finding their footing and encouraging others to do the same.

As a principal in her firm, Erika believes it is essential to cultivate an environment at Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group where ideas are appreciated and valued, and everyone takes accountability for successes and failures. Above all, she knows that a good leader is one who leads by example. The pioneering leader fosters a workplace where transparency, openness, and communication are crucial by ensuring her team is focused on growth, development and success for Borstein & Bornstein Law Group’s clients.

“When people ask me what I do, I say, “Whatever it takes.” It’s that mindset that brought about the launch of Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group. We work hard, and we don’t stop until we win for our clients. There is us, and then there is everybody else,” says Erika. “Integrity is my compass. Doing the right thing isn’t about being a female or a male leader, but simply about being a leader. I worked in sales prior to coming to the law, and I remember how difficult it was to get noticed or promoted because my field was a perpetual “Boy’s Club.” Like most successful women, I had to work twice as hard to get half the recognition of my male colleagues.” She remembers interviewing for an internal promotion, and at the end of her interview, Erika asked the sales director when he planned to make his decision. “He looked me square in the face and dismissively said ‘I’m not going to hire you.’” A few months later, he was accused of sexual harassment by a female colleague,” adds Erika. “The lesson? Sometimes a no is better than a yes. Every open door isn’t always an opportunity. Sometimes the doors that close are the ones that give you the path to advance.”

Being passionate about the law and armed with her commitment to never stop improving, Erika makes it a point to keep her finger on the pulse of the legal sector. “The Law is a moving target, and at Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group we are always doing our research. Our practice caters to the Bay Area, and covers over nine counties. We are always on the job. Trends come and go but at Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group we don’t get ready because we stay ready,” elucidates Erika.

Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group is the culmination of erudition and experience. They remain receptive to new ideas and are flexible and highly adaptable. But at the end of the day, Erika and her team know there are no shortcuts, their clients win because they put in the work. Bornstein & Bornstein Law Group is growing exponentially. “Our clients love us because we respect them, honor their trust in our work, and we get them great results! We plan to continue to grow and expand so that we can provide excellent advocacy for our clients and future clients. Our firm believes in justice, and we work hard to build a practice that honors the rule of law, and implements fairness and equity for all,” she says. WL