Courteney Harris is the Assistant Dean for the Office of Career and Professional Development at UNT Dallas College of Law. 

After graduating from Xavier University in Louisiana, with a B.A. in English, Harris earned her M.P.A. and Juris Doctor Degree from Texas Southern University.   

Before joining the leadership team in Dallas four years ago, she practiced law as a Tax Attorney for a Texas school district. 

As an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas, Harris practiced Child Support Enforcement. 

Despite her demanding calendar, Assistant Dean Harris took time out for an interview with UNT Dallas College of Law Communications to share her eagerness and experience for our staff feature.

Considering that there will always be an enormous need for talented lawyers like Harris, in the Greater Houston area, the question was posed how an opportunity at UNT Dallas College of Law lured her away from Southeast Texas. 

“The chance to open a law school is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.  “Because the opening was so unique, I chose to move to Dallas and quickly became involved in the community.  I have maintained my network in both cities, which has enriched my professional journey.”

Recently appointed as Co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the Texas Minority Counsel Program (TMCP), a diversity initiative of the State Bar, Harris shared her main focus as a new member of TMCP leadership. 

“I plan to continue to enhance the message that diversity in the legal profession is important and that the development of diversity pipelines is essential at various stages of a legal career.” 

Assistant Dean Harris is a dedicated advocate for student and alumni success in employment, during and after law school.  Harris also believes there is a need for more diversity in the legal profession and that inclusion and equity should exist in the entire process of employment.  

Texas Minority Counsel Program (TMCP)  

The TMCP was created in 1993 with the mission of increasing opportunities for minority, women, and LGBT attorneys who provide legal services to corporate and government clients, and to expose those organizations to the legal talent of diverse attorneys in Texas.