In October of last year, Leslie Harris ‘84, former judge at the Suffolk Juvenile Court and one of the founding members of the BC Law Black Alumni Network (BAN), passed away. As highlighted in BC Law Magazine’s profile, Judge Harris was deeply involved in the BC Law community, promoting diversity on campus and in the legal community at large, and mentoring countless students and young alumni. BC Law Impact spoke with current students to reflect on their fondest memories with Judge Harris. 

Lucy Barbosa, 3L:

“Some of my favorite memories with Judge Harris are from our conversations at the BAN BBQ, where he would warmly share stories from his law school years. Last year, as BLSA Co-Presidents, Haley Cole and I had the privilege of honoring Judge Harris with the inaugural Legacy of Leadership and Impact Award. It was a deeply meaningful moment, recognizing his unwavering support and the profound impact he has had on BLSA, BC Law, and the broader legal community.” 

Julie Renfroe, 3L: 

“Judge Harris exemplified the definition of community. He generously gave his time and wisdom to the Black community at BC Law, attending all of our conferences and gatherings. At my first BLSA event (the BAN Welcome BBQ), he and I talked about his passion for making hot sauce—diving into rabbit holes about his selection of peppers and recipients of this labor of love. In those moments, I felt at home in my new community. Judge Harris was a gift to this world and will be truly missed.” 

Francis Lubega, 3L:

“Judge Harris was not only a remarkable mentor, but he was also a pioneer who believed in me from the very first moment we met at the BAN Cookout during the summer of 2023. At the time, I felt unprepared to begin law school after taking a few years off post-undergrad, but he instilled in me a sense of confidence and reassured me that I had made the right choice in joining the BC Law community.

From that day forward, he showed up for me consistently and wholeheartedly. When I needed advice about 1L summer job opportunities, he picked up the phone without hesitation and offered a wealth of resources. He regularly forwarded opportunities and events happening around the city to help us build community off campus. He attended every BLSA event, made himself accessible to students, and treated our community with genuine care. During my 2L year, when I served as BLSA Vice President and reached out to him to speak with our 1L men about building community and finding support in law school, he responded immediately and made time without hesitation. That was who he was: someone who always went above and beyond, who uplifted others simply by being present. His presence was powerful, inspiring, and deeply grounding. We saw ourselves reflected in him, and we were grateful to have access to a living legend.

His passing is an immeasurable loss for our community. We lost not only a mentor but a guiding light, someone whose impact will continue to shape us long after his time with us. We will truly miss him.”

Haley Cole, 3L:

“Judge Harris had a warmth that radiated in any space he was in. I will always look fondly on his keynote address at an intimate student event hosted by Professor Hillinger. At the event, Judge Harris spoke about the path that led to him becoming a judge. Imbedded in his story was his deep connection to, and care for, the individual people and larger communities he served as both a public defender and a juvenile court judge.  He will be deeply missed, but he has left a lasting impression on the BC Law community.”

Mike Jean-Louis, 3L:

“Every year, BAN (the Black Alumni Network) hosts a welcome-back barbecue. I first met Judge Harris at that event my 1L year, right before school started, and we ended up having an amazing conversation. The following year, I attended again, and he asked me about my 1L and 2L summer jobs. I told him that during my 1L summer I worked at a conservative think tank. Even though I disagreed with many of their views, I was often the only one speaking up with a more progressive perspective. He gave me some great advice.

What struck me was that every moment after that, whenever I saw him, he would ask me about it—he never forgot. He would even use me as an example when speaking to others. I couldn’t believe that with all the people he meets, and even at his age, he remembered that conversation. And that was only the second time we had ever spoken.”

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Sangeeta Kishore is a third-year student at BC Law and president of the Impact blog. Contact her at kishorsa@bc.edu.