Law Office of Erika L. Vasques

Erika Vasques-Cornelison
Licensed attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and
the United States Western District Court of Pennsylvania representing community members in civil rights litigation, police misconduct cases, criminal defense, juvenile and education matters, pardons, expungements, and other post-conviction relief.Now serving Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, and surrounding counties.

Thoughtful and Trusted Advocacy

As a dedicated trial attorney with a decade of experience serving Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, I am committed to protecting individual rights against government overreach in our civil, criminal, and juvenile courts. My practice is built on careful preparation, strategic advocacy, and honest communication. I believe effective representation is grounded in credibility, professionalism, client collaboration, and earning the trust of clients while maintaining the respect of opposing counsel and the courts. My goal is to provide practical, thoughtful legal guidance holistically tailored to each client's needs and goals.I grew up in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, a community shaped by hard work, resilience, and working-class families. I earned my Bachelor of Science from the Pennsylvania State University in 2013 and graduated summa cum laude. I earned my Juris Doctor (JD) from Duquesne University School of Law in 2016.As a first-generation attorney and the granddaughter of a Mexican immigrant, I understand the importance of opportunity and perseverance. My background has shaped my commitment to serve our community and protect the legal rights of individuals, children, and families.

Practice Areas

Civil Rights & Constitutional Litigation
I represent people whose constitutional rights may have been violated by government actors. This includes cases involving unlawful search and seizure, excessive use of force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, other police misconduct, due process violations, prisoner's rights and other civil rights violations arising against governmental entities.Criminal Defense
I provide criminal defense representation for people facing felonies, misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, traffic and non-traffic citations, bail/bond modifications, probation and parole violations, and PFAs.Pennsylvania Pardons, Expungements,
and Post-Conviction Relief
I help people pursue opportunities for a fresh start through Governor's pardons, sealings, expungement, Federal Habeas Corpus petitions, and other post-conviction relief.Juvenile Defense
I represent children, teenagers, and families involved in delinquency proceedings from detention, adjudication, and disposition. My representation here extends Direct File/Act 33 cases where a minor is charged as an adult and needs a decertification hearing.Education Law
I assist students and families with education-related legal issues including disciplinary proceedings, suspensions, expulsions, special education, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plan Concerns.

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