Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoinette N. Harris.
Hi Antoinette N., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always known that my purpose in life was to serve God’s people through the practice of law. That calling started early, and it has shaped every step of my journey. I was raised by a single mother who sacrificed everything to give me the opportunities I have today. My momma never worked just one job growing up—she always went above and beyond to provide not only what I needed but also what I wanted in life. Still, as a child I was considered an at-risk youth. I could have easily gone down the wrong path, but because of my mother’s sacrifices, my faith, and the village of strong women who poured into me, I was able to stay focused and push forward. Their resilience and sacrifice inspire everything I do. My momma also taught me to value my education because it’s one of the few things that can never be taken away, and that lesson guided the path I chose next.
My passion for the law began in my teenage years when I served in Teen Court. That experience gave me my first opportunity to see how the legal system could be used not only to hold people accountable but also to offer second chances and change the trajectory of someone’s life. It affirmed my belief that justice should be fair, restorative, and accessible, and it planted the seed for the legal career I’ve built today.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Political Science. At Southern University Law Center, I graduated with honors for the pro bono work I completed as a law student—work that deepened my conviction that the law should be a tool for service, not just a profession. I later earned my LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis, where I also served as a Student Ambassador. After law school, I worked as a litigation paralegal, where I loved interfacing with clients and helping them navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. But I knew my calling was bigger.
After passing the UBE for Texas, I was brought in by the State of Florida to serve as an Administrative Law Judge on a contract basis, helping to clear a backlog of unemployment claims following the global pandemic. That role reinforced for me how important it is that justice be timely, fair, and accessible to everyone. From there, I transitioned back into private practice, gaining experience that sharpened my advocacy, broadened my perspective, and prepared me to lead with both competence and compassion.
In 2023, I founded The Law Office of Antoinette N. Harris, PLLC. With God’s provision, I’ve been able to build a successful practice, representing clients in civil litigation and criminal defense across both state and federal courts. My brand—Advocate for the Underdog—means that I fight for those who are often underestimated, overlooked, or going up against powerful systems and institutions.
Along the way, I’ve been humbled to receive several honors and recognitions for my work, including being named a National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Nominee, a Marquis Who’s Who Honoree (2024), and most recently, receiving two Platinum Awards—the highest award—from Community Votes Mesquite for my work as both a Lawyer and specifically as a Criminal Lawyer. These recognitions mean so much because they reflect both my professional commitment and the trust of the community I serve.
Now, I’m ready to build something greater—a better court for the people of Precinct 2 here in Dallas County. For me, this isn’t about politics or prestige. It’s about service. It’s about making sure that everyday people who walk into courtrooms are treated with fairness, respect, and efficiency. My journey has been shaped by faith, perseverance, and a commitment to both the law and the community—and I carry those values with me in every space I step into.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me for the work I’m doing now. Being raised by a single mother, I watched her work multiple jobs just to make sure I had not only what I needed but also what I wanted. Her example of sacrifice and perseverance taught me early on that nothing worth having comes easy. She also instilled in me the belief that if you trust God and put Him first in all that you do, He will grant you the desires of your heart.
In my own career, there were seasons of uncertainty—passing the bar, finding my footing in a competitive field, and later taking the leap of faith to start my own law firm in 2023. With God’s provision, I’ve been able to build a thriving practice, but it took long nights, financial risks, and a great deal of resilience to get here.
There were also personal struggles—times of exhaustion, doubt, and even moments of attacks and manipulation from people who didn’t want me to succeed. But I’ve always leaned on my faith, my village, and the lessons my mom instilled in me: keep going, stay true, and never let obstacles define you. Those struggles didn’t break me—they prepared me. They made me more empathetic, more determined, and more committed to serving others with integrity and excellence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the Owner and Managing Trial Attorney of The Law Office of Antoinette N. Harris, PLLC. My practice focuses on civil litigation and criminal defense, representing clients in both state and federal court. On the civil side, I handle personal injury claims, landlord–tenant disputes, and business or consumer disputes. On the criminal side, I defend individuals facing both felony and misdemeanor charges.
My brand is “Advocate for the Underdog.” That phrase captures exactly who I am and what I stand for. I represent people who often feel overlooked, underestimated, or powerless when standing against large institutions, corporations, or the criminal justice system. I know what it’s like to fight against the odds, and I bring that same determination into standing beside my clients.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just practice law—I practice service. My clients aren’t case numbers; they are people with real stories, families, and futures. I bring competence, integrity, and efficiency to every matter, but I also bring compassion and empathy. I make sure my clients know that I see them, I hear them, and I will fight for them.
I am most proud that when people think of my firm, they think of relentless advocacy rooted in fairness and faith. With God’s provision, I’ve been able to build a practice that provides everyday people with the kind of representation often reserved for those with wealth or connections. That’s the heart of my brand—and it’s what I want readers to know: if you are the underdog, you will always have an advocate in me.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would not be where I am today without my village. First and foremost, I give glory to God. My mother deserves the greatest credit. Her sacrifices, her work ethic, and her unwavering belief in me have been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. She taught me to value education, to persevere, and to always keep God at the center.
I’ve also been blessed with mentors who have poured into me at every stage of my journey—professors, senior attorneys, and colleagues who took the time to guide me, challenge me, and open doors for me. Their advice and example have been priceless.
My clients, too, have been some of my greatest teachers. Every case I’ve handled has shaped me, not just as an attorney but as a person. Walking with clients through some of their hardest seasons has deepened my empathy, sharpened my advocacy, and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
Finally, I have to acknowledge my community—friends, sorority sisters, colleagues, and supporters who have cheered me on, prayed for me, and stood by me as I built my practice. No one builds success alone, and I am proud to stand on the shoulders of those who believed in me long before I fully believed in myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anhlaw.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoinettetheattorney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PwBtBEtDZ/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinettenharris
- Other: https://linktr.ee/antoinettetheattorney
