US attorney appointed by Biden sworn in for Central District | State and Region

Harris, who was nominated for the position by President Joe Biden in October and confirmed by the Senate this month, was sworn in last week before U.S. District Chief Judge Sara Darrow.

Harris’ history with the office dates back 40 years. He served as Assistant United States Attorney from 1980 to 1988 and followed a 13-year diversion to private practice before returning to Assistant United States Attorney in 2001.

Harris described the promotion as an honor and vowed to continue working with law enforcement and to “pursue equality under the law.”

“This office has a long history of excellence and integrity and has demonstrated a strong commitment to community safety,” Harris said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get to work.”

During his time in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Harris held several leadership positions, including that of head of the criminal division. His private practice experience came as an associate at the Springfield-based law firm Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes. Previously, he served as legal counsel to state government agencies and served as an assistant appellate defender with the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender.

Harris earned a law degree from what is now the University of Illinois at Chicago Law School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard University in 1971.