I’ve Been in the Room Where It Happens

Now I Help Others Get There Too.

Harvard Law graduate. Former Am Law 100 partner. Trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and rising legal leaders.

I’m Erika Royal, founder of
Royal Influence.

I built a 22-year career as a BigLaw employment litigator, eventually becoming a partner at an Am Law 100 firm. I’ve served as an internal investigator, advisor to Fortune 500 leadership teams, and the head of high-stakes HR and DEI matters.

I’ve seen exactly how careers are made, and how cultures unravel, because I was in the rooms where those decisions happened.

Today, I work with two groups:

Lawyers who are ready to stop playing small and step into power, partnership, and authentic leadership
Companies that want to proactively manage culture, leadership, and compliance with the insight of someone who’s seen the stakes from every side

This work isn’t theoretical. It’s personal.

My Mission: To equip first-gen professionals, women, people of color, and the organizations that employ them, with the mindset, tools, and strategy to lead powerfully and protect what matters.

My Vision: A professional world where leadership reflects the diversity, intelligence, and emotional depth of the people it serves.

Off the Record

one

I became a licensed nail tech to pay for school—but never worked a day in a salon because the chemicals made me sick.

two

I can deliver a devastating cross-exam or crush karaoke night. Depends on the mic I’m holding.

three

My family teases me by calling me the “grammar police.” They’re not wrong.

Four

I took the scenic route to Harvard Law School — and I brought everything I learned with me.

Kind words from clients

“Erika brought trust, clarity, and energy to our Everything DiSC Agile EQ session. Her delivery was insightful, engaging, and perfectly tailored to our team’s needs. She blended humor with depth, and created space for honest conversations that continue to impact our work. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat.”

“Erika was one of the most impactful partners I’ve ever had. She supported me through complex employee relations challenges, strengthened our processes, and ensured we stayed aligned with compliance and best practices. She’s deeply knowledgeable, engaging, and an exceptional advisor and mentor.”

“Erika pushed my thinking, challenged old patterns, and helped me realign how I lead. Her coaching refined my executive presence and reminded me I get to define the life I want. I’m walking away more grounded, empowered, and intentional.”

“I worked alongside Erika for her entire legal career. Her transition from partner to executive coach was a natural evolution—she brings empathy, strategic insight, and deep legal experience to help lawyers thrive. Her acumen and coaching skill make her an invaluable resource.”

“I worked with Erika on two national conferences—the 2024 Leadership Event and 2025 CEO Summit—and can’t recommend her highly enough. She tailored every detail to our audience, delivered an engaging, emotionally intelligent session, and left our leaders with tools they’re still using.”

“During one of the most pivotal times in my life, Erika was an invaluable sounding board. Her advice was clear, candid, and always on point. She challenged me to take ownership of my path—and helped me grow into the leader I wanted to be.”