Bill Harris has announced his candidacy for County Court at Law as a Republican.  He is currently employed as First Assistant County Attorney in the Lamar County Attorney’s Office.

Harris has 20 years of experience as an attorney including 2 terms as First Assistant Lamar County Attorney, drug task force prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General and Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.  He has worked as a Senior Litigation Associate for one of the largest law firms in Texas practicing in the areas of toxic tort litigation, commercial litigation, federal criminal defense and criminal appeals.  As a solo practitioner he handled cases primarily in the areas of family law, wills and probate and guardianship.

Harris is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in two disciplines – Criminal Law and Juvenile Law.  He has extensive trial experience having tried over 150 civil and criminal jury trials in state and federal court.  He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Texas.    

Harris is active in the community including serving as coach, board member and officer for the Paris Soccer Association.  He also serves on the Building and Standards Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Paris, as well as a member of the Lamar County Appraisal Review Board of Directors.  He is also a member of the Leadership Lamar County Class of 2009-2010.  He is a member of the Paris Kiwanis Club.  He and his family attend First United Methodist Church and East Paris Baptist Church.    

A fifth-generation Texan, Harris is a graduate of Wichita Falls High School, Midwestern State University and St. Mary’s Law school.  He and his family first moved to Paris in 1998.    

“To be a fair, impartial and knowledgeable judge is the highest calling to which a lawyer can aspire.  A judge must have the temperament and demeanor to preside in a fair and objective manner to all parties.”  

“I have spent nearly 10 years representing the people of Lamar County prosecuting violent criminals and drug dealers.  I wish to continue my service to the community which has been so welcoming to my family.  I want to continue to help make Paris and Lamar County a better place for us all.”  

Harris is married to his wife Stpehanie who is an attorney in private practice as well as the Associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Paris.   They have two children – Billy and Colin who attend Paris schools.  

Will Biard will serve as his campaign treasurer.