Jerry Harris

Jerry Harris is a Partner at Hanger Law, where he focuses his practice on real estate development, land use, zoning, and permitting. With more than a decade of combined public and private sector legal experience, he guides clients through the complexities of regulatory frameworks and administrative processes at the local, state, and federal levels. His background in municipal law gives him a unique ability to anticipate challenges and deliver solutions that align with both business goals and regulatory requirements.

Jerry earned his Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law and his Bachelor of Public Administration from James Madison University. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Before joining Hanger Law, Jerry served as a Commonwealth’s Attorney in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, prosecuting violent crimes, narcotics cases, and felony offenses. He later became a Senior Litigation Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, where he handled civil rights claims, zoning disputes, and complex civil litigation. This experience sharpened his skills as both a litigator and an advisor, enabling him to effectively represent clients in court, administrative appeals, and government enforcement actions.

Recognized for his leadership and professionalism, Jerry Harris was named to Inside Business Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2020. He also won the National Pretrial Competition at Stetson College of Law in 2009.

Jerry serves as a Director for the Virginia Beach Bar Association, Secretary of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Committee for the Second District, and faculty member for the Virginia State Bar’s Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Hanger Law
• Director At-Large, Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
• Director, Virginia Beach Bar Association
• Secretary, Virginia State Bar Disciplinary District Committee, Second District Committee – Section II
• Faculty Member, Virginia State Bar’s Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course for newly admitted attorneys.

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• Regent University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Clemson University
  Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA)

Awards & Badges