The POWER List: Charlie J. Harris Jr.

Seyferth Blumenthal & Harris, Kansas City

The undoing of former Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp started with the zealous advocacy of Charlie Harris.

An administrative assistant in the sheriff’s office alleged she’d been subjected to sexual harassment on the job and retaliation after she complained. Harris’ investigation as a defense attorney on the case, however, uncovered that the plaintiff had been involved in an ongoing romantic relationship with Sharp.

The sheriff resigned in 2018 after depositions became public in which he and the administrative assistant admitted to the affair. The case soon was dismissed without any payment from the county.

In 2007, Harris became the first Black attorney to lead The Missouri Bar, where he helped to create three diversity seats for the board of governors to bring more women and people of color to the table.

Harris earned his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1995. In his spare time, he plays and performs bass guitar.