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Lawyer and Administrator

Patricia Harris had a distinguished career as a lawyer, an educator, and a public administrator. Her broad-based skills propelled her to the top of each field she entered, and her contributions to American society were many.
Born in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1924, Harris spent most of her professional life in Washington, DC. She attended Howard University and graduated from that school with honors, from George Washington University.

Harris served as an attorney in the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice, and as the chairperson of the D. C. Law Revision Commission. She was a partner in a law firm in Washington, DC, and a member of the American Bar Association.

Harris' career in education centered around Howard University, where she began as a lecturer. Later, she became a full professor. In addition, she served as associate dean of students and dean of the law school at Howard.

The public service career of Patricia Harris was outstanding. She served as the U. S. Ambassador to Luxembourg and as an alternate delegate to both the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic Commission for Europe. Moreover, she served as the secretary of two federal departments, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Because of her extensive experience, Patricia Harris was in great demand as a member of corporate boards of directors and on governmental task forces. Her lengthy list of awards includes being named Woman of the Year by the Ladies Home Journal, receiving the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award, the Distinguished Service Award of the Council of Jewish Federations, and the Order of the Oaken Crown of Luxembourg.

FLASH-FACTS

Served as the dean of the Howard University Law School
Served as the secretary of two U.S. government agencies
Served as ambassador to Luxembourg