Cheryl A Harris

I am the founder and principal attorney of Harris Law, PLLC, and I bring more than 35 years of legal experience to my practice. Throughout my career, I have handled a wide variety of cases from inception to resolution in New York courts and have successfully negotiated hundreds of settlements. Before starting my own firm, I was a Partner at Heidell Pittioni Murphy & Bach, LLP (HPM&B), where I led the employment law group. During my time there, I also defended major medical centers in complex medical malpractice and products liability cases involving substantial exposure, while also addressing regulatory and risk management matters. Over the years, I have also represented plaintiffs in employment discrimination cases, complex personal injury claims, and wrongful death lawsuits. My practice has included representing clients in commercial disputes, professional liability litigation, and Surrogate's Court proceedings. I also represented members of the United States Congress before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in the "Ground Zero" litigation arising from the events of 9/11. After many years of litigating on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants, I chose to focus my practice on Trusts and Estates, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. This decision was initially driven by a desire to assist clients who had received substantial financial awards and needed effective estate planning. For the past 15 years, I have been committed to helping individuals across a broad range of income levels plan their estates in a way that reflects their unique needs and goals. I am admitted to practice law in New York State, as well as in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York's Federal Courts. Additionally, I am admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. I earned my undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1983 and my law degree from Columbia University School of Law in 1986.