Erik van Hespen

About

Erik joined Mokri Vanis & Jones’ Newport Beach office in 2026, bringing with him more than 25 years of civil litigation experience. His practice has focused on insurance defense, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, landlord-tenant and habitability disputes, real estate litigation, professional liability defense, and commercial litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Erik practiced law at several California litigation defense firms and operated his own civil litigation practice representing businesses and individuals in both plaintiff and defense matters. His proven track record is the result of both his devotion to the law and his exceptional client relationships.

Erik’s zeal for advocacy began early. While growing up on the beaches of Southern California, he developed a deep appreciation for nature before moving north for college, initially to the redwoods of Humboldt County and then to the San Francisco Bay Area. While working toward his bachelor’s degree at San Francisco State University, he fostered his passion for environmental conservation, dedicating most of his free time to environmental advocacy groups throughout Northern California.

Desiring a change of pace and culture while remaining committed to environmental advocacy, Erik attended Tulane Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana where he was heavily engaged in its renowned environmental law program. He served as an editor of the Tulane Environmental Law Journal and published an article on recent developments concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Act. During his third year of law school, he was admitted to practice law as a Student Attorney with the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, advocating on behalf of Southeast Louisiana residents and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he worked as a research assistant to acclaimed environmental law scholar Professor Oliver Houck, for which he was recognized in national publications for his contributions to articles concerning water quality regulation and environmental protection.

After graduating from law school, Erik remained in Louisiana for a year to work with a law firm engaged in national class actions involving healthcare and environmental matters. He returned to the Bay Area in 2001, where in addition to practicing law, he was blessed with the greatest opportunity of his lifetime: raising his brilliant, beloved son Andrew, with whom he cherished every moment. Erik’s journey ultimately brought him back to Southern California where, when not practicing law, he can often be found surfing (badly), hiking the local mountains, deserts, and coastal trails and sometimes, just hanging out south of the border eating street tacos in Baja.