2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25106787D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 372

Offered February 12, 2025

Commending the Honorable L.A. Harris, Jr.

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Patrons—VanValkenburg and McDougle

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WHEREAS, the Honorable L.A. Harris, Jr., an exemplary jurist in Henrico County, retired as a judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit of Virginia on February 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, L.A. Harris is a proud, lifelong resident of Henrico County and a graduate of Hermitage High School, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Richmond School of Law; and

WHEREAS, after completing his education, L.A. Harris worked as a prosecutor for the Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney, then went into private practice; he was subsequently appointed as a special justice by the Henrico County Circuit Court and handled civil commitment hearings from 1981 to 1987; and

WHEREAS, L.A. Harris was next appointed as the Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney, then was selected as a judge of the Henrico County General District Court of the 14th Judicial District of Virginia in March 1988; and

WHEREAS, two years later, L.A. Harris was appointed to the Henrico County Circuit Court of the 14th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, where he presided with great fairness and wisdom for the next 35 years; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure on the bench, L.A. Harris served on numerous committees and was a sought-after presenter for conferences and seminars, serving as a trusted mentor to generations of younger attorneys and judges; and

WHEREAS, at the time of his retirement, L.A. Harris was both the longest serving judge and the longest serving circuit court judge in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, L.A. Harris served the residents of Henrico County with the utmost integrity, dedication, and distinction, and the Henrico County Courts Building was renamed as the L.A. Harris Jr. Courts Building in his honor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Honorable L.A. Harris, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement as a judge; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable L.A. Harris, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the legal profession and service to the residents of Henrico County and the Commonwealth.