Harris Freeman

Harris Freeman is a Professor of Legal Research and Writing at Western New England University School of Law, where he has taught since 1999. His academic affiliations extend to the Labor Relations and Research Center at the University of Massachusetts (affiliated faculty since 1999), and he has served as adjunct faculty in UMass's Social Thought and Political Economy Program and Smith College's Government Department. His scholarship focuses on labor and employment law, precarious work, and immigrant rights advocacy.

Professor Freeman earned his B.A. from the University of Florida and J.D. from Western New England University School of Law. After clerking for Federal District Judge Michael A. Ponsor, he practiced employment and civil rights litigation at Lesser, Newman, Souweine and Nasser in Northampton, MA, and later served as of-counsel with Attorney Wendy Sibbison specializing in appellate litigation and criminal defense.

His research centers on labor market vulnerabilities, particularly precarious employment among contingent and immigrant workers. He critically examines regulatory gaps in temporary staffing agencies, advocates for expanded joint employer liability, and explores non-traditional labor organizing models. His work bridges legal scholarship with social justice movements, addressing fair housing, immigrant protections, and labor rights in global contexts.

Analysis of his publications reveals a sustained focus on evolving labor market structures since 2005, with increasing emphasis on gig economy challenges and cross-border labor solidarity. His scholarship consistently connects doctrinal legal analysis with policy advocacy, evidenced by Congressional testimony and international lectures in India, China, and Hong Kong on precarious work.

As an educator, Professor Freeman mentors students through courses including Employment Law, Labor and Employment Law, and the Externship Seminar, integrating practical skills with social justice perspectives. He has served on the editorial boards of The Journal of Labor and Society and The Second Draft, and previously as associate editor of Working USA: Journal of Labor & Society (2004-2008).

He co-founded the Immigrant Protection Project of Western Massachusetts (2017-2020), coordinating pro bono legal representation for immigrants in removal proceedings. Currently active on the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center board and as an ACLU of Massachusetts cooperating attorney, his community engagement demonstrates a career-long commitment to translating legal scholarship into tangible civil rights advocacy.