Member Spotlight

Erika Sophia Grossbard

What type of legal work do you do?

Once I become an attorney, I will pursue a career in plaintiff-side personal injury litigation. While I will handle a variety of cases, I am particularly drawn to those involving medical malpractice, as I am deeply fascinated by the intersection of law and medicine. I am passionate about advocating for individuals who have been harmed by others and look forward to dedicating my legal career to that pursuit.

When and why did you join MDFAWL?

I joined MDFAWL in 2020, shortly after graduating college, and it has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey into the legal profession. I was introduced to the organization by former Judge Sarah Zabel and Amber Kornreich, whose leadership and mentorship continue to inspire me. Knowing that I would be attending law school after two gap years and wanting to begin networking early, I was drawn to MDFAWL’s mission. The organization’s commitment to empowering women professionally and contributing meaningfully to the community aligns perfectly with the kind of lawyer and person I strive to be. 

I began as a committee member and deepened my involvement by serving as co-chair of various committees throughout law school. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the members—the power of their leadership, the generosity of their guidance, and the way they made space for young women like me to rise. To me, MDFAWL is more than a professional network; it is a powerhouse of women who uplift each other and lead with purpose. The relationships I have built have far surpassed anything I could have expected when I first joined. Now, as a May 2025 law school graduate and soon-to-be attorney, I am incredibly excited about the opportunities to continue growing with this community that has given me so much!

What advice do you have for women in the legal profession?

Even in my early experiences in the legal field, I have witnessed how much women are still expected to prove themselves twice over. As someone who looks young and embraces femininity in how I present myself, I know those qualities can and have invited doubt or dismissal. But I have learned that our power lies in embracing exactly who we are, not in shrinking ourselves to fit a societal mold. 

Two quotes from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg continue to guide me: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made,” and, “My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” The second quote resonates with me deeply, as it reflects exactly what my own mom has always taught me and what I have come to embody. But true independence includes the wisdom to embrace support systems that elevate and sustain us. Spaces like MDFAWL reinforce that we belong in this profession and that finding support is just as important as offering it.