Mitchell on Law
Spring 2007WILLIAM MITCHELL COLLEGE OF LAW MAGAZINE SAINT PAUL | MINNESOTA
Prior to attending Mitchell, as well as during her first year and a half as a student, Shubha Harris was deputy Minnesota chief of staff to Sen. Mark Dayton. In that position, she advocated for Asian Americans on issues including federal assistance, health care, and immigration. Now she is the director of constituent services for Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Her work with Dayton was recently recognized when she received the Chris B. Nakamura Scholarship, given by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Law Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Birthplace: Kerala, India. I grew up in Ohio, but visit India often. We were there recently for my older brother’s wedding.
Family: Very supportive husband, very close family, very active Brittany spaniel.
My work: I hire, train, and supervise staff as director of constituent services for Senator Amy Klobuchar. Before that, I was deputy chief of staff for Senator Mark Dayton, advocating for his constituents.
How it’s rewarding: I have worked with thousands of immigrants and their families overseas. It is an amazing feeling when you can help children in refugee camps and reunite them with their families.
Why I want to be a lawyer: My work with Senator Dayton’s constituents made me want to be able to provide a higher level of advocacy and to have a more in-depth understanding of how the government functions.
Study spot: On the bed. For a real change of pace, I go downstairs and study on the couch.
Secret from my past: I was a professional performer of classical Indian dance, in the Bharatha Natyam style. I enjoy sharing my culture with friends and learning about theirs.
Dream job: Doing work that impacts people’s lives. I’ve wanted to effect change in policy and education issues, ever since I worked with underprivileged children through Teach for America.
Soon I will be: A mother! I’m due in August.