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Inspired to become a lawyer by civil rights icon and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Judge Harris recognizes the importance of equal access to justice and the power lawyers and judges have in shaping our criminal justice system. Equally inspired by Constance Baker Motley and Dovey Johnson Roundtree, she unapologetically challenges systems of racism, sexism and classism.
Judge Harris began her legal career as a Public Defender in Louisiana, first in Orleans Parish then in Calcasieu Parish, where she handled hundreds of cases and became a highly-respected advocate and familiar face in the halls of the Orleans and Calcasieu Parish Criminal District Courts.
As a Public Defender, Judge Harris made it her priority to present her clients as more than just case files, which was central to what she saw as her most important work — helping her clients hold onto their dignity while they navigated through the criminal court system.
Judge Harris has a wide array of experience litigating both civil and criminal cases. As Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Judge Harris’ advocacy focused on capital defense, juvenile life without the possibility of parole, and felon disenfranchisement. She also served as a Staff Attorney with the ACLU’s Capital Punishment Project.
Through those experiences, Judge Harris fought to change the criminal court system through appellate and impact litigation. As Senior Legal Counsel with the Justice Collaborative and throughout her career, she worked with community organizers, stakeholders and grassroots organizations to hold public officials accountable in an effort to implement criminal justice reform and build healthier and safer communities.
Professional Journey
Judge Harris moved to New Orleans over a decade ago to start her career at the Orleans Public Defenders Office, and fell in love with the people, the culture and the food. New Orleans forever changed who she was as a person and advocate. The city has taught her the beauty of improvisation and determination. Her love and passion for New Orleans drove her decision to run for Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge-Section L in 2020 and fuels her desire to continue to serve the people of New Orleans.
