How Jonathan Harris Transforms Legal Practice with a Customer Service Mindset

The Harris & Company director, Jonathan Harris, kicked off 2025 with a significant promotion, leading a team of paralegals and junior solicitors. This role allows him to indulge in his passion for mentoring.

In a recent interview with Australasian Lawyer, Harris emphasizes that lawyers should avoid reducing their practice to mere checklists. Instead, he integrates his retail experience into his legal work, maintaining a strong customer service mindset.

What Made You Choose a Career in Law?

I always planned to further my education after school, encouraged by my family to pursue a profession. Working in retail, I thrived on the satisfaction of delivering excellent service and receiving positive feedback. Eventually, I realized that law provided an intellectually stimulating way to work closely with clients.

What's Your Favourite Part of the Job?

My favorite aspect is the constant challenge of thinking laterally to achieve the best outcomes for clients. I find solving complex problems far more engaging than simpler tasks. There’s immense satisfaction in navigating difficult situations to negotiate better results for clients.

Memorable Career Events

I can’t pinpoint a single memorable event; rather, I cherish the cumulative experience of working with exceptional mentors at Harris & Company. They’ve exposed me to diverse and interesting work, constantly challenging me with complex legal issues and encouraging my professional growth.

Biggest Lesson Learned

The most significant lesson has been to avoid viewing law as a mere procedural exercise. While routine tasks are inevitable, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons for legal processes. Young lawyers should cultivate the habit of questioning established methods to engage deeply with the law and advocate effectively for clients. By doing so, they can discover more efficient ways to achieve desired outcomes.