Alumni Highlight: Eric Fanchiang, UCI Law Class of 2017 and 2024 LAA President
Eric (he/him) is counsel in Crowell & Moring’s Orange County office and is a member of the firm’s Antitrust and Competition Group. His practice focuses primarily on antitrust litigation for both defendants and plaintiffs and on government investigations. He has experience across a broad range of industries, including technology, transportation, and digital media. Eric represents his clients on a wide range of antitrust issues, including standard setting, trade association policies, misuse of patents and trade secrets, and price fixing.
Q: How did UCI Law prepare you for your legal practice?
At my firm, we know that UCI Law produces students that are ready to practice. I think this is for two reasons. The first is Lawyering Skills. The way UCI teaches Lawyering Skills is definitely applicable to practice. The second is UCI Law’s emphasis on pro bono. No class can give you the actual experience of working with a client and working on real legal problems the way pro bono can.
Q: What do you like best about your work?
I love how challenging and intellectually stimulating it is. Antitrust law changes frequently and encompasses so many different issues. We have to keep up with economics, politics, and the law, all at the same time.
Q: What was the best part about being a student at UCI Law?
My favorite thing about being a student at UCI Law was how open and welcoming my professors were. When I was in undergrad, most of my classes were big lecture hall style courses, so it was a shock to me coming to UCI Law and getting to know my professors so well.
Q: How do you stay involved with the UCI Law community?
I’ve been on the LAA governing council since I graduated. It’s a really great way to stay connected with the school and a great way to feel like you’re giving back. It’s a relatively low time commitment, but very rewarding! Anyone who is interested should definitely consider running for a seat.