LEADERSHIP

Ms. Erika Anzoátegui is a native Angelino. Raised in South Los Angeles, and born to parents who immigrated from Nicaragua, Erika attended and graduated from UCLA, with a degree in Social Psychology. Erika went on to receive her JD from Loyola Law School where she developed a passion for and dedication to indigent criminal defense. After graduating law school, Erika started her criminal defense career with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office in 1997. In 2001, Erika joined the Alternate Public Defender’s Office (“APD”) where she started as a misdemeanor trial attorney and moved through the ranks up to senior felony attorney.

During her career as a line attorney, Erika tried some of the most serious cases in the Department, including murders with special circumstances, and lectured extensively on DUI Defense, Closing Argument Techniques, Eyewitness Identification, Bail Reform and Citizens’ Constitutional Rights. Erika would go on to hold several management positions at APD, including New Lawyer trainer, Deputy in Charge, Head Deputy, Division Chief, and Chief Deputy.