Brian P.
Harris

Brian P. Harris is a litigation attorney dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He focuses his practice on complex personal injury matters, including wrongful death, medical malpractice, sexual abuse, vehicle collisions, nursing home neglect, products liability, and premises liability. Brian approaches each case with the belief that accountability promotes safety — and that clients deserve both clarity and strong advocacy throughout the legal process.

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Brian brings a distinctive dual perspective to his work. He began his legal career representing major gas and electric utilities in catastrophic loss and tort defense matters, including fire and explosion litigation. In that role, he led high-exposure investigations, coordinated with state and federal agencies, argued dispositive motions, and advised executive leadership on risk strategy. This experience provided him with an inside understanding of how corporations and insurers evaluate liability, frame defenses, and attempt to limit exposure.

 

Before that, Brian worked at a leading Chicago plaintiff’s firm, contributing to dozens of complex cases from intake through appeal and co-authoring multiple litigation strategy publications for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Having worked on both sides of the courtroom, he understands how cases are built, defended, valued, and resolved — and he uses that insight to anticipate defense strategies and strengthen his clients’ positions.

Brian is known for his careful preparation, strategic thinking, and ability to simplify complex legal issues. He believes clients should never feel overwhelmed by the legal system, and he takes pride in ensuring they understand their options, the process, and the path forward.

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In addition to his legal background, Brian holds a degree in Business from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and previously worked in brand management roles at Fortune 200 companies, including Whirlpool Corporation and Kraft Heinz. Managing national product launches and multimillion-dollar campaigns sharpened his ability to assess risk, coordinate cross-functional teams, and make sound decisions under pressure — skills he now applies in high-stakes litigation.

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Brian earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law, where he graduated in the top 25% of his class and received four CALI Awards for earning the highest grade in Litigation Practicum, Civil Litigation Strategy, Criminal Procedure, and Data Privacy.

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He is also actively involved in the community as a fundraising lead and advocate for the Hydrocephalus Association, helping raise significant funds to support research and treatment initiatives.

At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, Brian is driven by the firm’s commitment to standing with those harmed by negligence. He believes the civil justice system is a powerful tool for accountability and change — and he is dedicated to advancing that mission through disciplined preparation, thoughtful strategy, and client-centered advocacy.