Legal All-Star – Erika Bierma – Axley Attorneys

Erika Bierma is one of the most pivotal members at Axley Attorneys.

A partner and criminal defense attorney, Bierma is a seasoned professional that clerks, associates and partners turn to for assistance and guidance. She practices in almost every county in Wisconsin and is able to offer insight and advice to other attorneys seeking information about local practices and judges.

“I like the diversity of people I work with as clients, my colleagues at my firm, my travels around the state seeing how different court systems operate,” Bierma said.

One of the best parts of the job is “seeing my clients turn the corner and doing the hard work to be better people after becoming involved in the criminal justice system,” she added.

Bierma has a strong background when it comes to mentoring law students and rising attorneys. She works with the summer associates every year, offering her guidance and support.

Bierma is a member of the national, Wisconsin and Dane County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She also serves as a managing editor for Lexis for Wisconsin Criminal Law/Procedure and is a board member of the Wisconsin Equal Justice Foundation Board of Directors.

Bierma said that some of the biggest challenges in her work “are the combination of my client’s needs — which are usually more than just their legal problem — and how that fits with any particular court system’s perspective about how long certain cases should take to get to disposition ….”

Asked what advice she would give to others considering a career in the legal industry, Bierma replied: “It is gratifying, challenging, fulfilling, frustrating and worth every moment. Do not let others within the profession convince you otherwise, you can control your own happiness and fulfillment within the profession.”

Outside of work, Bierma enjoys gardening, home improvement projects, reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family.