Practice Areas

Trucking & Transportation

Litigation

Corporate Structuring

General Counsel

Risk Management

Insurance Coverage

Practice Focus

Eric J. Emerson provides general counsel to transportation companies in a variety of industries. In particular, Eric represents clients nationwide in a wide range of operational, strategic, and litigation matters. Formerly President and General Counsel of a national motor carrier, Eric brings an insider’s business perspective to the legal services he provides.

He has significant experience counseling clients in the areas of trucking and logistics operations, personnel management, insurance coverage and underwriting, contract review and negotiation, environmental and real estate due diligence, litigation, pursuit and defense of cargo claims (Carmack Amendment), and rapid accident response efforts. He offers guidance in regulatory compliance and risk exposure.

He proactively counsels clients regarding industry regulations and case law relating to hours of service requirements, driver and equipment compliance, hazardous material handling, HIPAA standards, OSHA and EEOC matters. In addition to for-hire and private fleets, Eric represents a host of companies within the industry, including third-party logistics firms, freight forwarders, and insurers of transportation risks.

Eric also represents clients in civil litigation, including vehicle accidents, breach of contract, insurance coverage, premises liability, whistleblower, and employment claims.

Professional Background

He previously served as President of Tidewater Transit Company, a 400-truck bulk commodity motor carrier with 14 locations and destinations from coast to coast. Prior to that role, Eric was General Counsel for Tidewater and several affiliated companies. Through this experience, he understands the need for comprehensive and business-based legal services for all segments of the transportation industry.

Eric has been recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” by Law Bulletin Publishing Company in the categories of Transportation Law and Closely & Privately Held Business Law.

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois, 1992
  • North Carolina, 2000

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Education

  • J.D., The John Marshall Law School
  • B.A., University of Notre Dame