Erica Smith-Klocek – Fortrea

Fortrea is a premier contract research organization that supports the life sciences industry with comprehensive clinical development and consulting solutions.

Erica Smith-Klocek | Fortrea | Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel
Photo Credit: Kathrin Wirth-Torrente

Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Fortrea operates in more than 90 countries, employing over 15,000 professionals. The company specializes in phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, technology-driven trial solutions, consulting and post-approval services. With decades of experience across 20 therapeutic areas, Fortrea is dedicated to accelerating the delivery of life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.

As senior vice president and deputy general counsel for Fortrea, Erica Smith-Klocek is crucial in managing the legal department and supporting the company’s broader strategic objectives. Reporting to the General Counsel, she oversees a team of seven attorneys split between the U.S. and the U.K., with plans to expand the department by filling three open roles. She covers various legal functions, including contracts, regulatory/FDA, litigation, intellectual property and business support.

“About half my role is dedicated to being a lawyer—handling complex issues firsthand. The other half is dedicated to management—developing my team, training, taking escalations and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” she explains to Vanguard magazine during an interview in March.

The balance of these responsibilities always shifts, requiring her to be proactive and adaptable.

“There’s an ebb and flow to the management side of things. I have weekly one-on-ones with my direct reports and monthly training and development meetings, and I bring in people from across the business to provide broader insights,” she adds.

One of Smith-Klocek’s main goals is fostering professional growth within her team. She believes that lawyers provide better counsel when they understand the intricacies of the business.

“I encourage my team to take on special projects because it accelerates their understanding of how the business operates. The more they know, the better advice they can provide,” she says.

Beyond legal expertise, she emphasizes operational knowledge as a key factor in providing better guidance.

“The more my team understands the company’s structure, the easier it is for them to anticipate issues and address concerns efficiently,” Smith-Klocek notes. “I want to broaden their perspectives so they’re not just providing legal advice but contributing to business solutions.”

Experience and purpose

Smith-Klocek’s journey to Fortrea was shaped by a deep commitment to professional growth and personal purpose. She spent over 13 years in private practice before transitioning to in-house legal work at Covance (later named Labcorp Drug Development), where she served as associate general counsel for eight years. When Fortrea launched as an independent company in July 2023, she saw an opportunity to take on a new challenge.

Her legal career began with a structured ten-year plan, including clerking, working at a firm and making partner. However, a turning point came when her mother passed away from a brain tumor, prompting her to reevaluate her priorities.

“I had two young children at the time, and I wanted to be in a role that was making a difference—helping people find cures for diseases. That’s what drew me to the pharmaceutical industry,” she says.

Smith-Klocek appreciates the ever-changing nature of her work at Fortrea.

“Every day, I’m looking at something new. It keeps me engaged and allows me to bring value to the company in multiple ways,” she says. “Some lawyers prefer to be subject matter experts and maintain a narrow focus, while others want to take on more responsibilities. Both paths are valid, but I encourage my team to understand the broader picture across the business because it makes them stronger legal advisors.”

Her ability to manage multiple aspects of the business has given her invaluable experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. She spends significant time supporting the general counsel with SEC filings and corporate secretarial responsibilities. She must align her legal strategy with the company’s overall goals.

Mentorship and development

Smith-Klocek brings a wealth of hiring and mentoring experience to her role, having previously served on the recruitment committee at Morgan Lewis.

“I used to interview up to 10 candidates weekly during recruiting season. I watched their progress as summer associates and later as full-time attorneys. That experience informs my hiring decisions today,” she recalls.

She recognizes that learning the business is an experience-driven process. When she hires someone new, she assumes it will take 6 to 12 months for them to feel independent in their role. And even then, there’s always more to learn because the business constantly evolves.

Beyond professional development, Smith-Klocek values personal connections with her team.

“We do weekly check-ins, and I check in with indirect reports once a month. Coming out of the pandemic, people were under immense stress and uncertainty, so it’s important to ensure they’re doing well,” she explains.

Smith-Klocek also encourages her team to think about long-term career development, not just immediate job responsibilities. There is nothing wrong with ambition and taking on more responsibilities—it’s one path a person can take. However, that person can also be a subject matter expert and bring value to the company. Her role is to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to succeed regardless of their path.

A non-traditional path

Smith-Klocek’s journey to law was not predetermined. Born and raised in Walla Walla, Washington, she initially planned to join the Army as a paramedic.

“My high school guidance counselor encouraged me to consider college. I had never visited Johns Hopkins before my first day on campus—I showed up in Baltimore with a suitcase and a pillow,” Smith-Klocek says with a smile.

While earning a psychology degree, she explored different career paths before taking the LSAT.

“I was fortunate to do well and received some scholarships. I went to law school with an open mind but had no exposure to lawyers before that. Everything I knew about the legal field was from television,” she remembers.

Her career has since spanned litigation, transactional law, and corporate counsel roles. Now, at Fortrea, she continues to evolve, blending legal expertise with business strategy.

Smith-Klocek believes that adaptability and resilience have been crucial to her success.

“The business landscape is constantly shifting, and the best lawyers can navigate those changes effectively,” she says. “Whether it’s managing M&A due diligence, handling litigation discovery, or advising on compliance, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.”

With a commitment to professional growth, mentorship, and strategic legal guidance, Smith-Klocek is shaping Fortrea’s legal function while ensuring that her team—and the company—continue to thrive.