Erik Estrada
Partner
Erik J. Estrada, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M. brings a unique blend of experience as a practitioner, professor, legal executive and board member of a $750 million 501(c)(3)-private foundation, one of the nation’s largest foundations. His work stands out for its strategic insight, credible advocacy and deep understanding of nonprofit law, governance and finance. His bestselling textbook on nonprofit law and finance is taught at Harvard Law School, among other notable universities, making him a subject matter expert and thought leader in the field of philanthropy.
Erik advises 501(c)(3)-private foundation and nonprofit clients on governance, grantmaking and complex transactions. His experience includes:
- Representing numerous private foundations and large public charities on tax, compliance and governance matters
- Drafting and negotiating grant agreements, governance policies and investment policies
- Guiding nonprofit boards on mergers, acquisitions and executive leadership transitions
- Advising on IRS compliance, including self-dealing, excess benefit transactions, and expenditure responsibility and state-law fiduciary duties, including the duties of loyalty, care and obedience
- Counseling nonprofit and philanthropic organizations on complex legal, financial and strategic matters, including Program Related Investments (PRIs)
Prior to forming Sector Law, Erik served as a corporate attorney at top-tier law firms Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, PC (ranked 35th in the AmLaw Top 100 Rankings) and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP. Additionally, he served as general counsel of one of the nation’s largest corporate foundations, as a grants program officer for the Boettcher Foundation and as a program director & senior fellow for the El Pomar Foundation. He currently serves as a professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder and is a former professor at the University of Denver College of Law. He is a published author and frequent presenter at local and national level philanthropic conferences.
Erik enjoys biking, running, swimming, lifting, teaching and spending time with his family. In 2002, he bicycled 4,000 miles from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities through his participation in The Journey of Hope. In 2021 and 2022, he completed a Half-Ironman and in 2024, he paced his friend for 26 miles as she personally completed a 147-mile, two-day fundraising run for a large public charity.
I believe that exceptional legal guidance for philanthropic organizations should be driven by a deep passion for their missions; a shared vision that goes beyond legal compliance to inspire action, build trust and enable transformative impact in our communities, states and nation.”
Erik Estrada, Sector Law
Professional Leadership
- Author, Understanding Nonprofit Law and Finance (Rowman & Littlefield, adopted by Harvard Law School); Amazon #1 Bestseller in the Business Law category
- Contributing Author, A Guide for Colorado Nonprofit Organizations (Second Edition 2018)
- Author, At the Governor’s Table: The Case for the Nonprofit Cabinet Member, University of Denver Law Review (2017)
Community Service
- El Pomar Foundation (a $750 million 501(c)(3)-private foundation), Board Member
- Colorado Governor’s Fellowship Program (appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper), Inaugural Fellow
- The Tony Grampsas Foundation (appointed by Gov. Bill Ritter), Board Member and Vice Chair
- Colorado State Housing Board (appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper), Board Member
- University of Denver College of Law Dean’s Alumni Council, Council Member
- Alterra Mountain Company Community Foundation, Board Member
- Community Resource Center, Board Member and Vice Chair
- Colorado Center on Law & Policy, Board Member
- University of Colorado Alumni Association Board of Directors, Board Member and Committee Chair
- Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, Board Member
- Colorado Youth Congress, Board Member
Education
- Boston University School of Law, LL.M., With Highest Honors (2013)
- University of Denver College of Law, J.D., Chancellor’s Scholar (2009)
- University of Colorado School of Public Affairs, M.P.A., Outstanding Student (2006)
- Texas A&M University School of Public Service, Graduate Fellow (2004)
- University of Colorado-Boulder, B.A., President’s Leadership Class Scholar (2002)
- University of Colorado School of Public Affairs, Ph.D. (in progress)
Federal Judicial Experience
- The Honorable Robert Blackburn, U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
Bar Admissions
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
Real Estate License
- Colorado
Distinctions
- “40 Under 40” Award Winner, Denver Business Journal
- Outstanding Lecturer Award, University of Colorado
- Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility Teaching Impact Award, University of Colorado
- Dean’s Faculty Teaching Award for Social Responsibility and Sustainability Division, University of Colorado