Erika A. Chamberlain is a Canadian legal scholar. In 2017, Chamberlain was appointed to a five-year term as Dean of the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law as a replacement for Iain Scott. Her research focuses on the field of impaired driving law and alcohol-related civil liability.
Chamberlain was born in Canada to two German, working-class immigrants. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law with her law degree in 2001 and began clerking for the Supreme Court of Canada.[1] During this time, she collaborated with Professor Robert Solomon to compile a comprehensive review of the federal impaired driving legislation for MADD Canada.[2]
After clerking for the Supreme Court of Canada, Chamberlain returned to her alma mater, Western Law, as an assistant professor in 2005.[1] In this role, she co-established Western's Tort Law Research Group with Stephen Pitel and Jason Neyers. The aim of the group was to "provide a forum to stimulate further research and greater collaboration in the field of tort law."[3] Two years later, Chamberlain was appointed Associate Dean (Academic) for a three year term.[4] During her first year as Associate Dean, Chamberlain and Solomon worked with MADD again and released "Drug-Impaired Driving in Canada: Review and Recommendations for MADD Canada."[5] She was also awarded a Western Strategic Support for SSHRC Success Bridge grant "Canada's Unique Conception of Fiduciary Relationships" in 2015.[6]
In 2017, Chamberlain was appointed to a five-year term as Dean of Law to replace Iain Scott.[7] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chamberlain was appointed to the seven-person advisory board for the Supreme Court of Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[8] She also published Misfeasance in a Public Office which she had begun during her time as a law clerk. The book explains the history of this tort and assesses its theoretical justifications and framework.[9]
Chamberlain participates in Ironman competitions.[10] [11]