Erika L. Bierma

Erika L. Bierma is a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer and partner at Axley LLP who represents clients in state and federal matters. She handles serious felonies, misdemeanors, drunk driving charges, property crimes, drug offenses, white-collar cases, and computer-related allegations. She guides clients from investigations through trials and appeals. She draws on extensive courtroom experience and her previous service as an Associate Federal Defender. Her preparation supports focused advocacy during proceedings that carry significant personal and professional consequences.

Erika earned a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law. She is admitted in Wisconsin and before both federal district courts in the state. She is also admitted before the Seventh Circuit and the US Supreme Court. Her professional memberships include several state, county, federal, and national bar organizations. She serves on boards supporting Wisconsin criminal law and equal access to justice.

Erika includes representing investigation targets, grand jury witnesses, and people facing indictments in her federal criminal practice. She negotiates charging decisions, immunity agreements, proffer arrangements, testimony limits, and consultation access during grand jury proceedings. She defends clients accused of fraud, tax crimes, drug conspiracies, child pornography, and other federal offenses. She also advises clients about possible immigration consequences arising from criminal charges. Her guidance helps clients understand risks before making important procedural or strategic decisions.

Erika L. Bierma represents students, juveniles, parents, individuals, and businesses in additional legal matters. She handles school discipline, university misconduct, juvenile court cases, restraining orders, injunctions, agency investigations, and civil litigation. Bierma assists businesses with recovering misappropriated funds and handles insurance defense, personal injury, collections, and investigative requests. She serves as managing editor of a Wisconsin criminal law treatise. Her broad experience supports careful analysis, responsive communication, and practical advocacy across complex disputes throughout demanding, sensitive legal proceedings.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Axley LLP
• Board Member, State Bar of Wisconsin, Criminal Law Section
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Dane County Bar Association
• Member, Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Dane County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• Creighton University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)