Stephen R. Harris

I have practiced law primarily in the chapter 11 business-bankruptcy arena for over 40 years in Northern Nevada. My ‘extreme’ motivation to help debtors solve their business issues originated in my teenage years while living in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the mid-60's. At age fifteen I worked for James E. Rogers, Esq. as his law- firm-runner and general all-around maintenance person. Being in the presence of Jim Rogers on a nearly daily basis for over 3 years motivated me to go to college and then attend law school. Jim Rogers was my mentor, constantly encouraging me. I was able to attend undergraduate school at the University of Southern California and then pursue my legal education at the University of San Diego; graduating in June 1974. I became a licensed attorney in the State of Nevada in September 1974. I worked for Jim Rogers in his Las Vegas law firm for approximately 16 months. I then relocated to Reno, Nevada, taking a job with the Federal Public Defender’s office. The desire to pursue my courtroom skills paid off. I was able to achieve 7 criminal jury acquittals out of 8 criminal jury trials in an approximate four-year time period. In August 1976 I started private practice in Reno, Nevada and never looked back. Since 1976 until the present day I have originated or been involved in over 1,000 Chapter 11 business reorganization cases, filed in excess of over 5,000 Chapter 7 liquidation cases and filed in excess of 400 to 500 Chapter 13 wage earner reorganization cases. I primarily represented the legal interests of debtors filing bankruptcy. Sometimes however, having served as a trustee for debtors, I also represented creditors. Often if legally appropriate I will counsel my client not to file a bankruptcy, or to file a bankruptcy when the timing is strategically correct for the client. Suffice it to say . . . I love what I do!