Harris, Kama

Before joining the Judicial Commission for Mental Health in 2020, Kama Harris worked as a criminal defense lawyer, defending hundreds of adult and juvenile clients at all levels of the Texas criminal justice system. She began her legal career at a public defender’s office, working as a mitigation specialist for death penalty cases. In that role, she gained instrumental insight on the way trauma, poverty, racism, mental health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities had an impact on her clients, their families, the community, and the legal system. Ms. Harris utilized that knowledge during her time as the First Assistant Public Defender in Burnet County, as an attorney in private practice, and now as a staff attorney with the JCMH.

Ms. Harris brings her legal expertise and her passion for helping underserved, and too often overlooked, individuals navigate the justice system into her career and volunteer work. Ms. Harris regularly teaches and collaborates with the community on legal topics. Currently, Ms. Harris serves on the faculty of the Municipal Courts Education Center, providing training on emergency detentions to Municipal Court Judges across the state; is a Policy Fellow with the Hogg Mental Health Policy Academy; and is a member of the American Inns of Court professional organization in Williamson County.

Ms. Harris received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas. In 2011, she received her Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude, on a full academic scholarship, and was an Articles Editor and Community Service Committee Chair for Texas Tech Law Review. She lives in Round Rock with her husband, son, and cats. Ms. Harris enjoys painting, travel, and scuba diving.