Erica Benites Giese

Practice Areas

Investigations & White Collar Defense; Trial & Appellate Litigation; Business Immigration & Compliance

Career

Erica Giese is an attorney renowned for her expertise in handling complex civil and criminal white-collar matters, state and federal government investigations, internal investigations, business victim advocacy, and developing risk mitigation strategies. With a practice focused on providing comprehensive legal services to a broad spectrum of clients, Erica brings a unique perspective to clients in heavily regulated and targeted industries such as banking, healthcare, government contracting, securities and energy. If clients find themselves in the government’s crosshairs, Erica handles sensitive government investigations and defends clients in complex criminal and civil litigation.

Erica’s tenure as a federal prosecutor and management level attorney at the Department of Justice saw her tackling a wide spectrum of issues, including wire, healthcare, securities, and procurement fraud, public corruption, worksite enforcement, RICO, forfeiture, and crisis response. As a civil practitioner, she also handled government investigations of whistleblower claims (including Qui Tam lawsuits pursuant to the federal False Claims Act). This diverse experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of legal nuances which translates to a meticulous and efficient work product.

With an impressive legal career spanning both public and private sectors, and a background as a Certified Fraud Examiner, Erica helps clients make the right decisions in mitigating and managing risk to their bottom line. Her ability to identify potential issues and dissect and evaluate intricate financial transactions has yielded favorable outcomes for her clients time and again. Her significant capabilities and efficiencies in responding to grand jury subpoenas and civil investigative demands is unmatched. Whether representing corporations, executives, or individuals, Erica’s approach as a trusted advisor remains rooted in a deep understanding of her clients’ desired outcomes.

Chambers USA noted “Erica Benites Giese is noted for her strong performance in white-collar investigations and trials. She has built an impressive practice representing clients in matters ranging from healthcare fraud, bank fraud and government contracts fraud.”

With more than 20 years of experience, over 100 trials, and a keen ability to navigate both federal and state courts, Erica’s advocacy and negotiating skills have led to tremendously successful outcomes for her clients, including securing dismissals and governmental decisions not to proceed with charges. Should cases proceed to trial, Erica has a long track record of success trying cases in federal and state courts.

Erica is an active member of the Hispanic National Bar Association and serves on several court appointed committees including the Criminal Justice Act Panel Committee, the San Antonio Bar Association Federal Courts Committee, and the Western District of Texas Admissions Committee. Outside of her profession, Erica focuses on family which includes her husband of almost 20 years, two teenage daughters, two dogs and a cat.

Professional Memberships

U.S. District Court Admissions Committee; Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; Hispanic National Bar Association; Mexican American Bar Association – San Antonio Chapter; American Bar Association; Women’s White Collar Defense Association – Houston Chapter; San Antonio Bar Association; Federal Bar Association – San Antonio Chapter; Federal Bar Association

Publications

"DOJ Officials Announce New Priorities to Combat Corporate Crime with Additional Details Provided at Government Enforcement Conference in Dallas," Jackson Walker Insights (September 2022)

"What to Know About the Department of Justice’s Nationwide Crackdown on Healthcare Fraud," Jackson Walker Insights (September 2021)

"Opioids, Healthcare Enforcement, and Increased Scrutiny of Corporate Conduct for Criminal Prosecution," Jackson Walker Insights (May 2019)