Kenisha Day
Kenisha Day is a dedicated legal professional currently serving as a Criminal Law Hearing Officer with the Harris County Courts in Houston, Texas. With a strong background in prosecution and litigation, she previously worked as a Senior Trial Attorney at Allstate and spent several impactful years as an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office—one of the largest in the nation. There, she specialized in trafficking and child exploitation cases, served as a misdemeanor chief, and contributed her time to specialty courts such as Sober Court and STAR Court. Kenisha has also served on the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association Diversity Recruitment and Retention Committee, advocating for greater inclusion within the legal profession.
Kenisha earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where she led student organizations including the Criminal Law Society and Black Law Students Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, where she was deeply involved in student leadership and was recognized with the University Service Award. A proud Teach for America alumna (San Antonio '10 Charter Corps), Kenisha brings a blend of legal expertise, community engagement, and mentorship to every role she takes on. Originally from Compton, California, she is committed to justice, advocacy, and uplifting underserved communities through her work in and out of the courtroom.
• UC Santa Barbara- Bachelor's
• University of San Francisco School of Law- J.D.
• University Service Award for Scholarship, Citizenship, and Service
• African American History Museum for Galveston
• Texas District and County Attorney’s Association Diversity Recruitment and Retention Committee
• Black Law Students Association
• Betty F. Day Foundation
• African American Lawyers Section
• Criminal Justice Section of the Texas Bar
• Sober Court
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to a genuine commitment to being both informed and impactful for my family and community as they navigate the legal system. My journey began as an 8th-grade teacher, evolved into service as a prosecutor, and has led me to my current role as a Criminal Law Hearing Officer. I consider it a privilege to help demystify the legal process—particularly as one of the few women in judicial positions in Harris County, embodying both purpose and progress.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is not to take things personally and to leave the job at work—because carrying the emotional weight of each case home can quickly take a toll on your mental well-being.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering this field, my advice is to lead with confidence, extend patience to yourself, and carve out time to reflect on your goals. Trust your journey, because the future of this industry needs more women at the helm shaping its direction.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
This field still struggles with racial and gender diversity, remaining largely white and male-dominated. But that reality also creates a powerful opportunity—to step into leadership, to represent underrepresented voices, and to actively shape a more inclusive and transformative future.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy, integrity, and resilience are core to who I am—I believe in standing my ground, serving others with purpose, encouraging those around me, and showing up as a strong representative for those who don’t always see themselves reflected in this profession.