Erika N.D. Stanat

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Partner
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

Years in current role: 22

What skills do you think are most crucial for new attorneys entering the field today?

For those starting out in the practice of law, strong written and verbal communication skills are critical. In addition, a junior attorney who can demonstrate early on the ability and willingness to lean into projects, to absorb and integrate constructive feedback, to capably manage deadlines, and to work well on teams will find herself/himself in high demand among more senior colleagues.

How does the Rochester community influence your work or professional philosophy?

We are fortunate to live in a region in which George Eastman’s emphasis on community service and engagement has had a lasting legacy. That same emphasis permeates the culture of Harter Secrest and Emery. At our firm, we take pride in serving our community both broadly as an organization and individually through our team’s commitment to board service and volunteerism. Personally, I have been fortunate to serve as a board member or volunteer for a number of exceptional organizations in our region, in each instance having the privilege of working alongside clients of my firm as we work together to help build a bright future for the Rochester region.

What’s your ideal way to spend a weekend in the Finger Lakes or Western New York?

The ideal weekend involves time spent with my husband and our three sons. Whether hiking, cheering for our sons and their teammates at their lacrosse games, attending shows or concerts, spending time with friends, or just enjoying time together in our backyard, there is simply nothing better than moments we get to spend together as a family.

This profile is part of our Litigation Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.