Eugene Patterson Harris

Pat Harris
Born Eugene Patterson Harris
Nationality American
Alma mater University of Michigan
Occupation Criminal lawyer
Author

Eugene Patterson Harris, more commonly known as Pat Harris, is a leading American criminal defense attorney [1] and author.[2] He has represented high-profile clients such as Michael Jackson and Greg Anderson and regularly provides commentary on legal issues for shows on Fox and CNN, such as Larry King Live.[3] He coauthored, along with Susan McDougal, her autobiography entitled Susan McDougal: The Woman Who Wouldn't Talk,[4] which was on the New York Times' bestseller list for four weeks.[5]

Early life

Harris grew up in Clarksville, Arkansas where he attended the University of Arkansas, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. He worked in Washington D.C. as legislative assistant for Bill Alexander, former democratic representative of Arkansas. He then worked in the field of real estate in Little Rock, Arkansas.[5]

Harris pursued his Juris Doctorate at the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He worked in Nashville, Tennessee at the Davidson County Public Defender's Office for a few years before joining Geragos & Geragos in 1997 as a criminal lawyer.[5]

Career

Harris is a criminal lawyer with Geragos and Geragos[6] based in Los Angeles, California, a law firm headed by Mark Geragos. He has been with the firm since 1997.[5] Harris specializes in felony criminal trials and major civil litigation.[5] Harris has co-represented several high-profile clients along with Mark Geragos and high profile lawyer Sean Macias. He represented Michael Jackson[7] in the child molestation case brought against him in 2003. Jackson was eventually found not guilty of all charges.[1]

He represented Will Lynch who was accused of beating a priest who he said molested him and his brother 40 years earlier.[8] Lynch pleaded not guilty to felony assault and elder abuse charges brought by Father Jerold Lindner at the Los Gatos Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in May of 2010.[6] He was acquitted of the charges.[8]

Other clients for which Harris served as co-counsel include Susan McDougal, Scott Peterson and Greg Anderson. The Susan McDougal case resulted in her being convicted of felony in 1996. Her case was famous because of her refusal to respond to questions about the Clinton's involvement in the Whitewater real estate scheme. As her co-lawyer and former fiancé,[9] Harris provided advice during the ordeal.[5][4]

Books

Harris co-authored Susan McDougal's autobiography, Susan McDougal: The Woman Who Wouldn't Talk[5][4] and Mistrial: An Inside Look at How the Criminal Justice System Works ... and Sometimes Doesn't with Mark Geragos.[1]

Personal life

Harris resides in Los Angeles, California.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Lat, David (10 April 2013). "A Few Good Defense Lawyers". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  2. ↑ Stephens, Kevin. "School of Law Criminal Law Society Hosts Author Pat Harris". Pepperdine University. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  3. ↑ ."America's Morning News: Mark Geragos & Pat Harris join us to look at how the criminal justice system works...and sometimes doesn't". TRNCentral. 23 April 2013. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gormley, Ken (1 June 2003). "The Woman Who Wouldn't Talk by Susan McDougal with Pat Harris". Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "Eugene Patterson Harris".
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sanchez, Sheila (14 May 2012). "Jury Selection Begins in Los Gatos Priest Beating Case". Los Gatos Patch. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  7. ↑ "Geragos v. Borer". 11 January 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 DeSocio, Jeffrey Thomas (9 July 2012). "Attorney Pat Harris discusses Will Lynch's acquittal for beating a priest". Retrieved 28 April 2013.
  9. ↑ Lowry, Beverly (26 January 2003). "Her lips were sealed". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 April 2013.

See also

External links