Shira Harris, Attorney Mediator

Shira Harris came to CRD’s Dispute Resolution Division from the Community Relations Service at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she served as a Conciliation Specialist providing dispute resolution services to communities experiencing civil rights-related conflict and violence. She previously facilitated peacemaking across cultural and religious differences in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Shira began her legal career as an employment law attorney conducting impact litigation and legislative advocacy related to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and other civil rights laws. Her experience includes mediating housing, employment, and other disputes, as well as more than a decade of teaching and training.

Shira earned her law degree from New York University, a master’s in mediation and migration from Paul Valery University, and a bachelor’s from the University of California, Berkeley. Her mediation approach emphasizes enhancing understanding between parties and supporting their ability to collaboratively develop mutually satisfactory resolutions, drawing on various dispute management modalities, including culturally responsive and restorative practices.