Erin M. Wilson

Erin Wilson is a commercial litigator who defends companies in consumer and employment class actions. As Practice Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Class Action Litigation practice, Erin handles claims in state and federal courts across the country, with particular emphasis on litigation in Washington and California.

Her employment class action work encompasses meal and rest break, off-the-clock, rounding, noncompetition, and Equal Pay and Opportunities Act claims. Erin also has significant experience defending Fair Labor Standards Act collective actions nationwide. She applies her knowledge of Rule 23 to questions of class and collective certification, with a focus on opposing certification.

In consumer class actions, Erin defends claims involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection statutes, and breach of warranty. Her clients span industries, with a particular focus on health care and retail. Outside her practice, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, running, and coaching youth girls’ basketball and soccer.

Wage and hour litigation for large health care operator
Obtained complete dismissal of putative Washington wage and hour class action at the motion to dismiss phase

ERISA class action for health insurance provider
Obtained complete dismissal of putative ERISA class action at the motion to dismiss phase

Summary judgment for major auto finance company
Obtained complete summary judgment on behalf of defendants, a finance company affiliated with a major auto brand, in a putative consumer protection class action. Affirmed on appeal.

Dismissal of claim against insurance provider
Obtained complete dismissal of consumer protection putative class action in a nationwide class action against a provider of commercial and personal insurance

Defense verdict for insurance company in ERISA claim
Obtained a complete defense verdict for a major U.S. life insurance company following a bench trial in the case of a plaintiff who sought long-term disability benefits under ERISA

Successful defense of consumer claims against cosmetics company
Successfully defended cosmetics maker in a putative class action alleging Washington State Consumer Protection Act claims

• University of Southern California Gould School of Law (J.D.)
• University of Michigan (B.A., with distinction)

• Washington
• California
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

• Benchmark Litigation, "40 & Under Hot List," Class Actions, 2018-2024; Commercial Litigation, 2018-2024
• Benchmark Litigation, "Future Star," 2025, 2026
• Thomson Reuters, "Washington Rising Star," Business Litigation, 2013-2014, 2017-2023

Professional Activities

• American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Class Actions and Derivative Suits Committee, past Subcommittee Chair
• Habeas Corpus Petition for Quincy Broaden on Louisiana State Death Row, Trial Team
• Washington Women Lawyers — King County Chapter, Former President

Board Memberships & Community Service

• Volunteer coach, girls youth sports (basketball and soccer)
• Washington Appleseed, Board Member, 2012-2014
• Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Sister, 2010-2012