Jermaine Harris Jr. ’26

BLSA President Jermaine Harris Jr. Finds Purpose Through Community

When Jermaine Harris Jr. talks about how he found his way to law school, he laughs a little. It wasn’t part of some long-planned career map. He grew up in the Lehigh Valley, studied psychology and business at Penn State, and originally pictured himself doing something in marketing or finance. Law wasn’t on his radar until one person nudged him in that direction.

“My dad, Jermaine Harris Sr., definitely had the biggest influence,” he said. “He’s a family and property law attorney, so I grew up hearing about his cases. When I finally started thinking seriously about law school, he was thrilled. He joked that now he has someone to hand the firm off to.”

His mom, Eulisha, a retired police officer, and his grandmother, Diana, also dreamed of studying law. Harris said stepping into this career feels a little like he’s carrying their hopes with him. And while that dream was theirs, he noted that his stepdad, Paul, has also been a steady source of motivation as he works toward it. “When they ask me questions and I’m able to answer them, it feels really sweet. I’m proud to be doing something they always wanted."

Harris arrived at Widener Law Commonwealth thinking he’d focus on contract law. He was interested in it, and it paid well. It felt like a logical choice. Then he completed his first summer internship.

“I realized pretty fast that I didn’t want to draft contracts all day,” he said. “I like talking with people. I like understanding what drives them. That’s where the psychology-and-people side of me comes in.”
Family law clicked instantly.

“I think it’s fascinating how emotions shape the choices people make,” he said. “Family law is emotional, sure, but most areas of law are. I see it as helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives and getting them to the next stage.”

Harris joined the Black Law Students Association, or BLSA, during his first year because he wanted to meet people and figure out how other students were surviving the workload. He found a mentor in Kevin Ezeuzoh ’24, almost immediately.

“He scared me a little at first because he was so honest about how tough law school is,” Harris said, laughing. “But he taught me how to manage my time and how to think like a law student. I always admired his leadership.”

Now, as BLSA’s president, Harris is helping keep that same spirit going. He said the most noticeable change since his first year is the turnout. Events are bigger, the energy is higher, and more students — not just Black students — are showing up.

“BLSA is open to everybody,” he said. “The heart of it is unity. Students need a place where they can talk to someone who understands what they’re going through. Sometimes another student’s perspective hits different than hearing the same advice from a professor.”

One event he’s especially proud of this year is the Young Lawyers Panel, which featured graduates from 2017 to 2024.

“It was so helpful hearing from people who are only a few years ahead of us,” he said. “They still remember what law school felt like. They’re still adjusting to their jobs. Their advice felt real and current.”

And then there’s Field Day, one of BLSA’s most beloved traditions.

“It’s just a fun day every spring,” he said. “Games, food and everyone getting outside together. It always sticks with you.”

On top of leading BLSA, Harris serves as a dean’s fellow and development liaison, helping connect Dean andré douglas pond cummings with alumni and supporting outreach efforts.

Balancing it all, he said, took time. “My first year? No chance. My second year would have been rough. Now that I’m a 3L, I understand my own rhythm. Compartmentalizing is everything. Know when to focus and know when to say no.”
With graduation on the horizon, Harris already knows the memories that will stay with him: those first finals when everyone was stressed and studying together; the friendships he built; the moments at events like the 35th anniversary gala where he felt a growing sense of pride in the school.

“What the dean is building here is special,” he said. “There’s a real feeling of pride in being part of Widener Law Commonwealth. I’m grateful I came here.”

And if BLSA calls him back in a few years to speak to the next group of students?

“Oh, I’ll be here,” he said. “It’s all about giving back.”

Interview was conducted in Winter 2025.