Welcome

Dr. Harris priorities people over things. Thus, more important than her compensation is her belief that everyone deserves quality legal representation. If you cannot afford Dr. Harris’ legal services, ask her (1) for a payment plan, (2) to reduce her fees, (3) consult with you on your case, and (4) to take your case pro bono.

Communication is a top priority for Dr. Harris. Thus, she makes it a point to keep clients updated on the progress of their cases through regular phone calls, emails, and meetings. She is always available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

With over two decades of experience in education, ranging from serving as a substitute teacher to a Superintendent of School, coupled with legal experience clerking at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the D.C. Superior Court, Dr. Harris is uniquely prepared to handle civil and misdemeanor cases as a lawyer. Her career experiences quality her to represent you, as she:
1. understands human behavior: Education professionals often develop a deep understanding of human behavior and interpersonal dynamics, which will be invaluable to her clients in their civil and criminal cases since interactions between individuals are often central to disputes.
2. has effective communication skills: Educators regularly communicate with diverse stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members. This experience translates well to legal practice, where effective communication is essential to Dr. Harris’ ability to advocate on behalf of her clients, negotiate settlements, and present arguments in court.
3. is a great problem-solver: Educators frequently encounter complex problems and are adept at finding creative solutions to address them. This problem-solving mindset is invaluable in legal practice, as Dr. Harris must analyze issues, identify potential obstacles, and devise strategic approaches to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients.
4. knows educational law: With experience working in various roles within the education system, such as teacher, administrator, and Superintendent, Dr. Harris has a deep understanding of educational law and regulations. Dr. Harris is particularly beneficial in handling civil cases involving education-related matters, such as special education disputes, student rights, school policy issues, and employment.
5. experienced in the law: Clerkships at the EEOC and D.C. Superior Court provided Dr. Harris valuable exposure to the legal system and courtroom procedures. This experience enhanced Dr. Harris’ ability to navigate the legal process, conduct legal research, draft pleadings, and argue cases effectively in court.
Overall, the combination of education experience and legal training equips Dr. Tonya Harris with a unique skill set, including strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of legal principles and procedures. This background prepares Dr. Harris to effectively handle a wide range of civil and misdemeanor cases, advocate for their clients’ interests, and pursue justice on their behalf.