Aaron D. Harris Joins Michael Best Strategies as Principal & Michael Best Law Firm as Senior Counsel

Michael Best is pleased to announce that Aaron D. Harris has joined Michael Best Strategies as Principal in Chicago. Aaron also joins the law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP as Senior Counsel.

“I’m excited to welcome Aaron to our Government Relations team at Strategies and the law firm,” said Rob Marchant, President of Michael Best Strategies. “His senior level government experience is a perfect fit for our clients both in Illinois and nationally, and adds significant depth to our talented group of policy advisors at Strategies. His most recent experience with Governor Pritzker is indicative of his ability to understand the complexities of the most important regulatory and policy issues affecting the Illinois business community and navigate the processes of government to get things done.”

Harris joins Michael Best Strategies after serving as Legislative Director and First Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs in the Office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, where he advised the Governor on proposed bills and legislative strategy, and assisted with the successful enactment of the Governor’s landmark legislative agenda which included an increase in the minimum wage program, the legalization of cannabis and the historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. Harris also oversaw legislative priorities for 16 state agencies, including energy, environment, infrastructure, public safety, and elections.

Prior to serving in the Office of the Governor, Harris spent three years as Chief of Intergovernmental Relations for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, where he managed the administrative and legislative agenda, drafted, passed, and implemented justice reform and legislation, and provided committee testimony on lawmaking recommendations and management of the Office’s annual budget. Additionally, Harris served as legal counsel for the Illinois State Police, working alongside the Attorney General’s Office litigating complaints under the Freedom of Information Act.

“After years working in the public sector, I am thrilled to be joining Michael Best Strategies,” said Harris. “The firm has a strong reputation in the industry for working collaboratively with legislative and executive leadership on both sides of the aisle.”

Harris earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Morehouse College.

Bio Link Aaron leverages his background and connections in Illinois state government to help clients further their business objectives. Before joining Michael Best Strategies, he held influential positions in Illinois’ Office of the Governor, Department of Juvenile Justice, and State Police. Expertise: Government Relations, Policy Advocacy, Illinois Legislative Process, and Public Safety
Michael Best Strategies (Strategies) helps companies accelerate their success through a combination of strategic business consulting, lobbying, government relations, public affairs, and communications. The firm has thrived by providing a diverse team of professionals with the experience, skills, and relationships necessary to help each client achieve their goals more quickly and fully.