SPRINGFIELD – Gregory K. Harris, who spent a quarter of a century as an assistant lawyer in the United States, was sworn in as Chief Federal Attorney for the Central District of Illinois.
Harris, who was appointed to the post by President Joe Biden in October and confirmed by the Senate this month, was sworn in last week before United States Chief Justice Sara Darrow.
Harris’ history with the office dates back 40 years. He served as Assistant United States Attorney from 1980 to 1988 and diverted 13 years from 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 “pursue equal justice under the law.”
“This office has a long history of excellence and integrity and has demonstrated its strong commitment to community safety,” Harris said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get to work.
During his tenure in the United States Attorney’s Office, Harris held a number of senior positions, including that of Head of the Criminal Division. His private practice experience came as a partner at Springfield-based law firm Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes. Prior to that, he served as legal counsel in state government agencies and held a position as an assistant appeal advocate in the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender.
Harris received a law degree from what is now the University of Illinois Chicago Law School. He received a BA from Howard University in 1971.
Photos: Amazon workers are remembered killed in Edwardsville tornado
Tornado victims killed in Amazon building remember Edwardsville
Lynn and Carla Cope, parents of Amazon employee Clayton Lynn Cope who died in last Friday’s tornado, attend a memorial service for the victims in Edwardsville on Friday, December 17, 2021. Clayton Cope, 29, was an attendant maintenance of the warehouse. Cope’s niece, Liz Whitehead, looks left. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Robert cohen
Tornado victims killed in Amazon building remember Edwardsville
Edwardsville residents, including Paul Pitts, right, seated next to his friend Debra Pitts, pray at a memorial held for Amazon employees who were killed in last Friday’s tornado in Edwardsville on Friday December 17, 2021. The brief service, hosted by city officials inside a fire department bay, included placing a wreath on a tree to remember the six who died. “I wanted to show my support for the families who have lost loved ones and our first responders who have helped others,” said Paul Pitts. “I had to be here.” Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Robert cohen
Tornado victims killed in Amazon building remember Edwardsville
Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy wears a commemorative wreath to be laid by a tree dedicated to victims of last Friday’s tornado at an Amazon warehouse after a service on Friday, December 17, 2021. Risavy is joined by the chief of Police Mike Fillback, left, and Fire Chief James Whiteford. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Robert cohen
Tornado victims killed in Amazon building remember Edwardsville
Kathy Reuter and her husband Ken pray alongside Esther, a comfort dog from Lutheran Church Charities, during a memorial service for the victims of last Friday’s tornado that destroyed an Amazon warehouse on Friday, December 17 2021 in Edwardsville. Esther visited the fire station with first responders on Wednesday. “They’ve learned to love him,” Reuter said. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Robert cohen
Tornado victims killed in Amazon building remember Edwardsville
Lynn and Carla Cope, parents of Amazon employee Clayton Lynn Cope who died in last Friday’s tornado, hug each other next to a wreath laid by Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy, left, during a ‘a memorial service held at the Public Safety Building on Friday, December 17, 2021. Clayton Cope, 29, was a maintenance worker at the warehouse. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Robert cohen
Tornado victims killed in Amazon building remember Edwardsville
Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy prays after laying a wreath dedicated to victims of last Friday’s tornado at an Amazon warehouse following a service at the Public Safety Building on Friday, December 17, 2021. Risavy is joined by Police Chief Mike Fillback, left, and Fire Chief James Whiteford. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Robert cohen
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