Erin M. Harrigan

Guides clients through federal and state government investigations and enforcement actions.

Provides advice and guidance on compliance with rules, regulations and policy provisions in complex and highly regulated industries, such as defense contracting, supply chain management, higher education, health care, and pharmaceuticals.

Directs internal investigations for entities confronting allegations of misconduct.

Argues criminal appellate cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Chambers USA recognized Erin in 2021-2024 as a leading attorney for White Collar Litigation & Investigations in Virginia, one of the legal industry’s most prestigious rankings and a distinction that is awarded based on a commitment to the qualities most valued by a client.

As OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, managed and led investigations and prosecutions of national and international organized crime networks.

Prosecuted various federal criminal offenses throughout the Western District of Virginia, including federal criminal violations involving drug trafficking, fraud, criminal regulatory offenses, public corruption, firearms, sexual violence, and human trafficking.

Argued criminal appellate cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Led the Attorney General’s team to combat human trafficking in Virginia. 

Served on the OAG public safety legislative team, drafting bills proposed by legislators and testifying before state legislative committees.

Developed a coordinated response to trafficking, co-leading four different law enforcement task forces and working groups across the Commonwealth. 

Trained nearly 2,500 professionals in law enforcement, health care, and victims services on recognizing and responding to human trafficking. 

Worked on case investigations, special grand jury proceedings, and prosecutions in gang-related crimes, homicides, sex trafficking, and other offenses.

Represented the Commonwealth in all aspects of post-conviction criminal litigation, including direct appeals, habeas litigation, and actual innocence petitions. 

Wrote briefs and presented oral arguments to the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia in direct appeals of criminal convictions. 

Composed responsive pleadings for habeas proceedings in the Supreme Court of Virginia, Virginia circuit courts, and the federal district and appellate courts. 

Litigated habeas hearings in Virginia circuit courts, including a five-day hearing in a complex capital murder involving more than 30 witnesses, extensive discovery, and substantial media attention.