Law firm WilmerHale announces Ericka Aiken as one of Bloomberg Law's "40 Under 40" recipients.
In the world of law, Ericka Aiken, a partner at the prestigious law firm WilmerHale, has made a name for herself as a trailblazer in investigations and litigation. Based in Washington, D.C., Aiken has a rich history of leading complex cases, most notably the DEA litigation and the Cummins representation.
The DEA litigation, which was first filed in 1977, challenged discriminatory employment practices within the Drug Enforcement Administration. Aiken took on a lead role in the case in 2023 and achieved a significant victory, securing a $12.5 million settlement for a class of Black special agents.
In a different arena, Aiken represented Cummins, an engine manufacturer, in emission-related lawsuits. The Cummins representation resulted in a full dismissal of one suit and multiple victories in federal court.
Aiken's work spans criminal, civil, and regulatory matters involving various government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, SEC, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She has advised on laws such as the Stored Communications Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.
Aiken's approach to her work emphasises the importance of anticipating client needs and cross-disciplinary teamwork. She credits collaborative problem-solving as essential to delivering excellent guidance during clients' most urgent moments. Leveraging colleagues' expertise is key to moving quickly without sacrificing quality, according to Aiken.
For her outstanding work, Aiken was honoured by Bloomberg Law on its 2025 "They've Got Next: The 40 Under 40" list. This list spotlights rising leaders shaping the legal industry.
Aiken is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has clerked for federal and state judges, including the Honorable Damon J. Keith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. She is a recipient of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award.
In summary, Ericka Aiken is a partner at WilmerHale who has achieved multiple victories in federal court in the Cummins representation and a $12.5 million settlement for a class of Black special agents in the DEA litigation. Her approach to her work, which emphasises collaboration and anticipating client needs, has made her a standout in the legal industry.
Ericka Aiken's accomplishments extend beyond litigation, as she also partakes in pro bono work, providing invaluable legal support to underserved communities. In the realm of finance, she has advised clients on compliance with regulations such as the Stored Communications Act and Anti-Kickback Statute. Aspirants seeking careers in law firms could learn from Aiken's dedication to understanding business implications, ensuring client needs are met seamlessly and collaboratively.
