About Eiko C. Harris, Senior Litigation Attorney
When Memphis divorce attorney Eiko C. Harris was in college, her goal was to become a criminal prosecutor. However, an experience serving as Guardian ad Litem while in law school led her to a different track.
During that experience, she realized she could use her passion for being an advocate by making a difference to ensure children live and thrive in a safe, stable, and positive domestic environment.
Ms. Harris’ legal background is extremely diverse, but no practice area has enabled her to make such a direct and dramatic difference in the lives of her clients as family law.
“Family issues touch every culture, race, sex, and religious denomination,” Ms. Harris said.
Ms. Harris, who is a native of Queens, NY, is a clear communicator and makes sure that each of her clients understands that they have an advocate in their corner they can count on through all the peaks and valleys of the divorce process.
“I let them know that we are a team and that creates an atmosphere of trust and accountability that is needed to reach a desirable resolution to their case,” Ms. Harris said. “I strive to be a good communicator at all times.”
A divorce or child custody case is often the most difficult experience an individual ever faces. Ms. Harris makes it her goal to do everything within her power to make sure her clients reach a fair settlement while making the process as smooth as possible.
“I want to ensure that my client’s voice is heard because their rights matter,” Ms. Harris said. “It is always my desire to make the most complex and contentious situations less stressful and more manageable by providing legal services that are matched in professionalism and excellence.”
Licenses
Ms. Harris is licensed to practice in Tennessee.
Education
- Ms. Harris received her Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, Magna Cum Laude, from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga.
- Ms. Harris earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in Memphis, Tenn. She was a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Best Oral Advocate at the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. She was also the Sub-Regional Director for the National Black Law Students Association.
- Ms. Harris served as a National Bar Association Student Delegate and a Professional Liaison with the Association of Women Attorneys.
- During law school, Ms. Harris participated in the Child and Family Litigation Clinic and served as Guardian ad Litem to children in need of representation.
Professional Experience
Ms. Harris has a diverse background practicing in varied areas of law. Prior to joining Cordell & Cordell, she represented clients in civil litigation matters involving child abuse and neglect, visitation, custody, child support, judicial hospitalizations, landlord-tenant issues, collections, and garnishments. She formerly served as an Assistant General Counsel with the State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services where she represented the State of Tennessee and prosecuted cases involving child welfare law, primarily focused on child abuse and neglect, custody, visitation, and termination of parental rights. She has also worked for law firms and corporations providing legal counsel in employment discrimination, employment, and labor law matters, personal injury prosecution, and corporate contract and licensing matters.
Associations
- Ms. Harris is a current member of the American, National, and Memphis Bar Associations.
- Ms. Harris previously served as a Fellows Graduate for the New Memphis Institute; a member of the MBA Government Lawyers Section and ABA YLD National Conferences Team; and co-chair of the ABA General Practice and Solo Practitioner’s Division, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee.
Publication
In 2014, Ms. Harris presented a speech titled, “Professionalism, Perseverance and Purpose” to the students at GRAD Academy High School in Memphis, Tenn.
Ms. Harris was interviewed in 2022 by ABC24 regarding “Back to School Tips for Single Parents”
Ms. Harris was interviewed by Action News5 about back-to-school tips for single parents: Part 1, Part 2
