Erica A. Clausen
About Erica
Erica Clausen’s practice focuses on complex litigation, condemnation, and sports law, representing both private and public entities. Her diverse experience spans high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts, involving intricate issues in civil litigation, public records, real estate, and land acquisition. Erica has a notable focus on helping Oregon municipalities, transit authorities, utilities, and school districts navigate the eminent domain process, from precondemnation strategy through to formal condemnation proceedings.
In addition to her work in complex civil litigation, Erica’s passion for sports and entertainment law shines through in her commitment to supporting the sports industry. She is particularly dedicated to advancing the careers of women athletes and leaders, using her legal skill to empower community initiatives that champion gender equality in sports.
Throughout her career, Erica has represented a wide range of clients—local, national, and international—navigating complicated and often high-profile disputes. She has a deep understanding of both the legal and cultural dynamics involved, having enriched her perspective through international externships in Tokyo, Japan, and Perth, Australia. Her ability to manage complex litigation and build lasting client relationships was further developed during her tenure as a litigation staff member prior to and during law school.
Erica’s background also includes working as an intern for U.S. Senator Ron Wyden in 2010, which broadened her understanding of public policy and advocacy.
Representative Experience
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Litigation & Dispute Resolution Plus
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Major builder’s risk insurance recovery for new Oregon data center. Successful litigation and mediated resolution of a project owner’s $8 million claim against its builder’s risk insurance carriers following two explosions and fires during the construction of a 250,000 sq. ft. data center in Washington County, Oregon. The builder’s risk insurers’ untimely and unreasonable claims adjustment resulted in zero payment to the project owner prior to Miller Nash’s involvement. Litigation involved extensive discovery of electronically stored information and depositions, in addition to summary judgment briefing and other motions. With the assistance of a mediator, the vast majority of the owner’s losses were recovered.
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Successfully challenged the National Women’s Soccer League’s minimum age rule in U.S. District Court as an illegal boycott in violation of federal antitrust law on behalf of 15-year-old professional soccer player Olivia Moultrie. Trial team obtained a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction in this landmark case, prohibiting the NWSL and its teams from boycotting Moultrie due to her age. Achievements also included securing favorable rulings on significant questions arising out of federal antitrust and labor law, including that the NWSL and its teams did not constitute a “single entity” for antitrust purposes and that Moultrie’s claim was not precluded by federal labor statutes and did not interfere with ongoing collective bargaining between the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association. Case culminated in the negotiation of a settlement ensuring Moultrie’s right to continue playing in the NWSL, subject to the provisions of any final collective bargaining agreement.
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Acting on behalf of both the condemning authority and property owner, Erica has litigated more than a dozen Oregon condemnation actions.
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Successfully negotiated and contested the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's seizure of product imported by clients in the cannabis industry.
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Represented 70 investors who collectively lost nearly $100 million in the Aequitas Ponzi scheme. Obtained favorable settlements with third-party professionals in state court litigation and private arbitration, resulting in a gross recovery exceeding our clients’ investment losses.
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Client Collaborations
Activities
- Multnomah Bar Association, Member
- Oregon Women Lawyers, Member
- Oregon State Bar, Member
- Federal Bar Association, Member
- Women's Affinity Group, Miller Nash
- Lead, 2023-present
- Campaign for Equal Justice, Board Member, 2022-present
- Women in Sport & Event, Board Member, 2022-present
Recognition
- Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® (Portland, OR)
- Litigation—Construction, 2024-present
- Litigation—Real Estate, 2024-present
- Litigation—Securities, 2024-present
- Commercial Litigation, 2022-present
- Selected for inclusion as an Oregon Super Lawyer—Rising Star, 2022-present
- Served as a contributing author in the Oregon State Bar’s Oregon Civil Pleading and Litigation publication that received the “Award of Outstanding Achievement” in the “Best Publication Category” awarded by the Association for Continuing Legal Education.
Insights from Erica
- “Chapter 23: Scope of Discovery and E-Discovery,” Oregon State Bar, Oregon Civil Pleading & Litigation 2020 Edition, coauthor (2020)
- “Chapter 26: Cyber Insurance,” Oregon State Bar BarBooks™, Insurance Law in Oregon 2020 Edition, coauthor (May 2020)
- “Cultivating the Benefit of § 501(r)(3): § 501(r)(3) Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals,” 20 Lewis & Clark L. Rev. 1025, coauthor (Oct. 2016)
- “Developing the Legal Landscape of Women’s Sports,” University of Oregon School of Law, Sport and Entertainment Law Forum, panelist (Nov. 2023)
- “Advanced Litigation Series: Discovery Tools and Strategies,” Multnomah Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section CLE (May 2023)
- “Professionalism Orientation Fall 2020,” Lewis & Clark Law School, discussion leader (Aug. 2020)
- “Enforcement of US Maritime Liens “Created” in Foreign Jurisdictions,” Washington State Bar, Current Issues in Maritime Law 2018 CLE seminar (May 2018)
Outside the Office
Erica seizes every opportunity to get outside, whether for a hike, run, or water activity. As a lifelong soccer player, and former D1 student-athlete, she can also be found lacing up the boots for an indoor game on occasion. One of her true passions is traveling, where she enjoys absorbing the local culture by appreciating art museums and local cuisine.