As Judge Jenifer M. Harris approaches retirement in December, we celebrate the immeasurable impact she has made at the Ninth Judicial Circuit during her 18 years on the bench.
Looking back, her desire to seek justice began at an early age. While 7-year-old Jenifer and her family were visiting Walt Disney World, their house in upstate New York burned down. With no place to go after this tragedy, the family made Orlando their home. At that time, Judge Harris watched her mom—a single parent without a high school diploma—work three jobs to support her and her siblings. This struggle would shape Judge Harris’ future career path.
At 14, Judge Harris decided she wanted to become an attorney to help people in vulnerable situations, people like her mom. In her third year of law school, she started working at the Eight Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s office, where she found like-minded people who took their commitment to justice very seriously. She then graduated with her juris doctor from the University of Florida in 1990 and transitioned from Gainesville to Orlando in 1996. That is when her journey at the Ninth began.
Judge Harris treasures her memories as an assistant public defender and later as a supervisor for misdemeanor attorneys. She loved mentoring the interns and new attorneys, a passion she carried to her career as a judge. She loved making a difference inside the courtroom. She found purpose in working hard to uphold justice. During those years, she interacted with judges who were kind and fair, showing her the profound impact a judge can have on people’s lives. Their example led her to consider pursuing a judgeship herself.
In 2007, after 14 years as a public defender, Judge Harris ran for circuit judge and won. Beginning her career in the criminal division, she later presided over family and juvenile courts. She recalls the weight of putting on the robe for the first time—the weight of responsibility, which has only grown with every decision she has made in the courtroom. Aware of her influence as an experienced judge, she continued to mentor—she invested in law students, young attorneys, and other judges. It brought her fulfillment to contribute to each mentee’s career, as they will continue to seek justice after she retires.
She has collected an extensive list of professional activities during her time on the bench, serving on multiple committees and teaching positions, but when asked about the best part of being a judge, she responded it’s “When you can make a difference during the worst time of someone’s life. When you can be there for them and just listen.”
As she closes this chapter of her professional life, Judge Harris, whose story is already an inspiration, leaves us with beautiful words that will continue to inspire the Ninth Judicial Circuit and its contributors:
“I think it’s important for us judges, attorneys, and government staff, who are in a system that affects so many lives, to stay more curious rather than judgmental. To be willing to listen and learn. To be willing to lose our positions every day in order to do the right thing.”
Join us in celebrating the Honorable Jenifer M. Harris and her retirement on November 15, 2024, at 4 p.m. The ceremony will be held in the Orange County Courthouse Jury Assembly Room. Refreshments to follow. No RSVPs are needed.