About Erika J.
Erika J. Wentzel earned her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2011 after completing undergraduate studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she received a B.S. in 2007. Her undergraduate coursework combined speech, public relations, psychology and journalism. The mix of communications and behavioral studies informed her approach to the law early on.
After law school, Wentzel built a career that brought her into practice across state and federal courts. She became a partner at Flesner Wentzel in 2013. The title came early in her legal career and signaled a swift rise within the firm’s ranks. Records show her admitted to practice in both Illinois and Missouri, and she holds admission to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Colleagues describe her courtroom manner as concise. She favors careful preparation and direct argument. Her background in speech and journalism contributes to clear written work and focused oral advocacy. She has handled matters that require briefing for federal appellate review and appearances in state trial courts. The combination of trial and appellate work gives her a practical perspective on case strategy.
Within the firm, Wentzel has taken on responsibilities that go beyond individual cases. She participates in the day-to-day management of caseloads and assists in developing litigation plans. Staff and peers look to her for steady case management and for translating complex legal issues into accessible terms for clients. Her work tends to bridge the detailed research expected in appellate filings and the practical problem-solving needed at the trial level.
Wentzel also maintains professional ties across legal communities in Illinois and Missouri. She keeps active admissions that allow her to move cases between state and federal dockets when necessary. That mobility has been useful for clients whose matters span jurisdictional lines or involve federal appellate review.
She is based at Flesner Wentzel and continues to handle litigation matters in Illinois and Missouri, including proceedings in federal courts and appeals before the Eighth Circuit.
