Marla Shade Harris

Associate

Marla Shade Harris concentrates her law practice in general litigation, with a special commitment to white collar crime.

She currently works with several state and local agencies and private citizens, assisting them in criminal and other government enforcement matters. Her practice also includes a focus on issues of individual and institutional accountability and investigating sophisticated, fraudulent schemes created by employees or other business associates.

Pro Bono Activities

Ms. Harris prepared an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the University of Michigan's decision to use race, among other factors, to incorporate underrepresented minorities into its student body. She also prepared an amicus brief in support of the Seattle, Washington, and Louisville, Kentucky school districts, which fought to voluntarily use race-conscious measures to avoid racial isolation and achieve racial integration in their elementary school.

Previous Experience

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Harris was an assistant inspector general for The Office of Executive Inspector General, where she investigated allegations of misconduct in state agencies under the purview of the Illinois Governor. At the conclusion of every investigation, she counseled agencies on creating and implementing employee conduct rules, restructuring record keeping methods, and conducted periodic compliance seminars to educate state employees of their obligations under the Ethics Act.

Ms. Harris also has extensive administrative agency, trial court, and appellate court experience. Ms. Harris spent more than four years as a Judicial Law Clerk in the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, where she was responsible for drafting opinions in all areas of Illinois law, reviewing appellate briefs, and analyzing complex legal issues which included:

• Contract interpretation and enforcement
• Insurance liability
• State employment law
• Criminal law
• Administrative agency decisions
• Statutory interpretation

In that capacity, Ms. Harris played a key role in changing the way utilities communicate potential dangers to their customers and the manner in which manufacturers distribute products that are known to be used in criminal manner after sale.

Awards and Honors

President's Award, Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.
       2006-2007

Education

Clerkships

Honorable Denise Margaret O'Malley, Illinois Appellate Court, First District (2002-2004)

Honorable William Cousins Jr., Illinois Appellate Court, First District (2000-2002)

Professional Memberships

Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.
Board Member and Recording Secretary
Scholarship Committee
          Past Chair
Roundtable Series Committee
          Past Co-chair