ericka battle, Esq.

Practice Summary

Judge Battle graduated cum laude from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her Juris Doctor, graduating with honors from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. While in law school, she studied international law in Clermont-Ferrand, France, an experience that broadened her perspective on comparative legal systems and the administration of justice. Judge Battle built a distinguished and diverse legal career in public service and in private practice. In recognition of her professional achievements, she has received numerous honors, including the 2023 Lawyers of Distinction Award, recognition among the 2024 Top 10 American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and Attorney & Practice Magazine's 10 Best Criminal Attorneys Award. From 2015 to 2024, Judge Battle served on the Board of Directors of OAR of Richmond, supporting reentry services and community reintegration initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through her board service, she contributed to initiatives that reflect her longstanding commitment to rehabilitation and community safety through successful reentry. From 2015 to 2026, she maintained a successful private practice, most recently serving as managing partner of Coates, Battle & Tyree. In that role, she represented individuals, businesses, and governmental entities in trial courts throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, the United States District Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In 2017, Judge Battle served as an ad hoc Crown Agent, representing Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada in litigation proceedings within the Commonwealth of Virginia. This unique appointment reflected the confidence placed in her professionalism, legal acumen, and advocacy. From 2020 to 2026, Judge Battle also served as a Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney for Surry County, Virginia, where she prosecuted criminal cases and advocated for victims of crime. In 2024, she was appointed as a substitute judge for Virginia's 12th Judicial District, serving in that capacity until her appointment as Presiding Judge of the General District Court in 2026. Judge Battle is honored to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia and remains committed to upholding the rule of law through the fair, efficient, and impartial administration of justice. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family, friends, and loved ones throughout her legal and judicial career.