Antoinette N. Harris

I attribute my success first and foremost to God, my momma, and my village—what I call my “A Team.” My faith has always kept me grounded and reminded me that my purpose is bigger than myself. I truly believe that every opportunity, challenge, and accomplishment has been part of God’s plan for my life.

I also owe so much to my mother. She poured into me from an early age, instilling discipline, resilience, faith, and values that continue to guide me personally and professionally. Many of the lessons I appreciate most now are the ones I resisted growing up, but they shaped the woman I’ve become.

And then there’s my village—my A Team. That group has looked different throughout various stages of my life, but one thing has remained constant: God has always surrounded me with people who uplift me, challenge me, encourage me, and remind me of who I am when life gets difficult. None of us reach success alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have walked alongside me throughout this journey.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that your name and your reputation are your most valuable assets—protect them at all costs. Titles, positions, and opportunities can come and go, but your integrity, your work ethic, and how you treat people will follow you into every room you enter.

I’ve also learned the importance of preparation and competence. Confidence may open the door, but preparation is what sustains success. Being knowledgeable, ethical, and genuinely committed to your craft matters, especially in a profession where people are trusting you with some of the most important moments of their lives.

Another piece of advice that has stayed with me is to never shrink myself to make other people comfortable. I’ve learned to walk confidently in the spaces God has called me to, even when I may be the youngest person in the room, the only woman in the room, or the only person with my background in the room.

I would encourage young women entering the legal profession to never allow anyone to make them question whether they belong in the room. Be confident in your abilities, committed to your growth, and willing to outwork any doubt or limitation placed on you by others.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give is: don’t become your own worst enemy when it comes to elevating in your career. There will already be people who doubt you, underestimate you, or root against you—don’t be one of them. Do not talk yourself out of opportunities, shrink yourself to make others comfortable, or allow fear and insecurity to keep you from walking into spaces you’ve earned the right to be in.

I would also encourage young women to prioritize competence and preparation. In this profession, your work will always speak louder than assumptions. Learn the law, sharpen your skills, ask questions, and never become comfortable with being unprepared. Confidence backed by competence is powerful.

At the same time, protect your integrity and your peace. The legal profession can be demanding, and not every environment will be supportive, especially for women. Be intentional about the people you surround yourself with, seek mentors who genuinely want to see you succeed, and remember that you do not have to compromise your values to advance professionally.

Most importantly, understand that your voice matters. There is room for intelligent, compassionate, strong women in this field, and the profession is better because of the perspectives and leadership women bring to the table.

One of the biggest challenges in the legal field—and within the judiciary—is the erosion of public confidence caused by inconsistency, lack of preparedness, and, at times, incompetence. The legal system has a direct impact on people’s lives, livelihoods, families, and freedoms, so there is little room for individuals in positions of authority who are not fully equipped for the responsibility they hold.

At the same time, I believe this challenge creates an important opportunity: to raise the standard. The public deserves leaders who are knowledgeable, ethical, prepared, and committed to both fairness and efficiency. There is also an opportunity to make the legal system more accessible and understandable to everyday people, particularly for communities that have historically felt disconnected from it.

As someone who has practiced in both civil and criminal law before taking the bench, I understand the importance of competence, professionalism, and treating people with dignity. I believe the future of the profession depends on restoring trust through transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to public service.

Faith, integrity, intelligence, discipline, self-awareness, compassion, and service are the values that guide both my personal life and my professional career. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that my work is ultimately about purpose and service to others.

Integrity is especially important to me because I believe character matters most when no one is watching. I strive to lead with honesty, fairness, accountability, and professionalism in every space I occupy. Intelligence and self-awareness are equally important because I believe growth requires both knowledge and the humility to continuously learn, reflect, and evolve.

Compassion is central to the way I approach the law because the legal system is not just about cases—it’s about people. Whether I’m advocating for a client, mentoring young people, or preparing to serve from the bench, I never want to lose sight of the human element and the responsibility that comes with impacting someone’s life.

Discipline and resilience have also shaped my journey. Success does not happen overnight, and I believe consistency, preparation, and perseverance are what separate those who simply dream from those who are willing to execute.

Above all, service is at the center of everything I do. I believe my career is part of a greater calling, and I try to approach every opportunity with humility, purpose, and a commitment to leaving people, systems, and spaces better than I found them.