MIP’s Get to Know New Members Series
By Keisha Murray and Cherell M. Harris
MIP’s Get to Know New Members is a new blog feature to spotlight new members to the MIP Committee from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the broader community through a brief set of interview questions.
This month’s blog post features Keisha Murray, who is a member of the MIP Communications Committee, and Cherell Harris, who chairs the MIP Communications Committee.
Keisha Murray
This month’s first introduction is Keisha Murray, who is a member of the MIP Communications Committee.
What law school did you attend?
Charleston School of Law
Firm/Company
Womble Bond Dickinson (US)
Practice Area(s)
Business litigation, Internal Investigations, Municipal Law, and Education Law
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Most days, I’m in the office by 7:30 a.m. to start my day. I make a to-do list for the tasks I need to complete for the day and respond to emails that came in overnight. If I have a case that is in the pre-litigation stage, I will draft pleadings and respond to discovery requests. My day is not complete unless I have at least one meeting to review case strategy.
What led you to a career as an attorney?
In high school, I was a peer member of the North Charleston Youth Court program. This program was designed to divert young, first-time offenders from formal juvenile court proceedings to an informal process that incorporated components of restorative justice to hold youth accountable for their offenses. Peer members filled the roles of a prosecutor and defense “attorneys” and judges. Serving as a peer member solidified my decision to become an attorney.
Describe your involvement with the NCBA.
I am a member of the MIP Communications subcommittee.
What is the best advice you have received as an attorney?
Maintain a good reputation and treat everyone with respect.
What is your favorite travel experience?
My favorite travel experience was studying abroad in Morocco. Each historical site was our “classroom” and I enjoyed being immersed in the history and culture of Morocco.
Starbucks or Dunkin’? Favorite drink?
Starbucks! Pumpkin Spice Latte or a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with almond milk.
Bio
Keisha Murray is a licensed attorney in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. Keisha received her J.D. from the Charleston School of Law and her B.A. from the College of Charleston. Keisha practices business litigation at Womble Bond Dickinson (US). Prior to joining Womble, Keisha served as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Alison Renee Lee in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. She is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the Mecklenburg County Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association. Keisha is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Please connect with me on LinkedIn.
Cherell Harris
This month’s second introduction is Cherell Harris, who chairs the MIP Communications Committee.
What law school did you attend and what is your graduation year?
North Carolina Central University School of Law, 2019
What does a typical day in your life look like?
I am currently a first-year associate in the Technology Transactions Practice group at Smith Anderson law firm. My typical day consists of working with senior associates and partners on my team and other teams to review and draft various types of licensing, collaboration and supply agreement contracts and conduct due diligence reviews for the firm’s life sciences and technology clients. I also have the opportunity to participate in CLE trainings and associate development activities sponsored by the firm.
What led you to a career as an attorney?
I wanted to be an attorney ever since I was a child growing up in New York City; however, I took a detour and cultivated a twenty-four year career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. I never lost the desire to become an attorney and so when I had the opportunity to pursue a career as an attorney, while maintaining my day job, I did.
Describe your involvement with the NCBA.
I currently serve as co-chair of the Legal LINK subcommittee of the Young Lawyers Division and as the chair of the Communications Committee of the Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee of the NCBA. I also have volunteered with the Driver’s License Restoration Project.
What is the best advice you have received as a lawyer?
The best advice I received as a lawyer is just to be authentic and to continuously build my network of other attorneys.
Describe your favorite travel experience.
My favorite travel experience was taking my sons to Orlando to celebrate my oldest sons thirteenth birthday.
Starbucks or Dunkin’?
Starbucks – White Chocolate Mocha with almond milk, no whip cream, although Dunkin’ does have a great avocado toast!
Bio
My name is Cherell Harris, and I am a licensed attorney admitted to the North Carolina Bar and I completed my law school education at North Carolina Central University School of Law as a member of the evening program. I have a master’s degree in Engineering from NC A&T State University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Spelman College. My practice is focused on technology transactions, intellectual property and life sciences at Smith Anderson. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Keith for twenty years, and together we have two sons Jared and Aaron. I am also bonus mom to Jasmin and Kyle and bonus grandma to three grandsons and one granddaughter. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY but have lived in the south for much of my adult life. My interests include martial arts, yoga, dance, investing, cooking vegan food, collecting shot glasses and spending time with loved ones. I am a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and certified Project Management Professional. My passion includes mentoring young professionals and leading by example.
Please connect with me on LinkedIn.