Zelda Harris

Zelda B. Harris is the recently appointed Dean of Western New England University School of Law, where she focuses on expanding international initiatives and experiential learning opportunities. With a career rooted in legal services for underserved populations, she has spent over 25 years advocating for victims of gender-based violence and developing trial advocacy training programs globally.

• Specializes in gender-based violence and legal advocacy
• Faculty member for National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) since the early 2000s
• Collaborates internationally with Justice Defenders, Jones Day, and Lawyers Without Borders
• Emphasizes experiential learning and international engagement for law students

Her work bridges domestic violence advocacy with international legal training, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where she has conducted workshops in Kenya and Nigeria to empower inmates and public defenders through trial skills development.