Harris Law Practice LLC

      Stephen R. Harris has practiced law primarily in the chapter 11 business bankruptcy arena for over 40 years, mostly in Northern Nevada. His extreme motivation to help debtors solve their business issues originated back in time to his teenage years, living and going to high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the mid-60s. At age 15, Steve worked for James E. Rogers, Esq., as his law firm runner and general all-around maintenance person.  Being in the presence of Jim Rogers on a nearly daily basis for over 3 years motivated Steve to go to college and then pursue law school.  Jim Rogers mentored Steve constantly, such that he was able to attend undergraduate school at the University of Southern California, and then pursue his legal education at the University of San Diego, graduating in June 1974 and becoming a licensed attorney in the State of Nevada in September 1974. 

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      Steve worked for Jim Rogers in his Las Vegas law firm for approximately 16 months. Then he relocated to Reno, Nevada, taking a job with the Federal Public Defender’s office.  Steve's desire to pursue his courtroom skills paid off, such that he was able to achieve 7 criminal jury acquittals out of 8 criminal jury trials during approximately 4 years.  In August 1976, Steve started private practice in Reno, Nevada, and never looked back. 

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    Steve's primary push into bankruptcy law was provided by United States Bankruptcy Judge Bert Goldwater, when in late 1976/1977, Steve had an opportunity to serve as a bankruptcy trustee for several real estate bankruptcy cases. Steve can remember selling the River Inn Resort in the Bankruptcy Court, sometime in late 1979, in his capacity as a trustee. During the Bankruptcy Court hearing, a potential buyer stood up in the courtroom and shouted that he would "sue us all" if we did not sell him the River Inn Resort at a higher price than it was being offered in court. Steve, and the judge, were obviously persuaded by the wisdom of this higher offer and accepted it. 

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      Since late 1976 through the present,  Steve has been involved in over 1,000 Chapter 11 business reorganization cases, filed more than 5,000 Chapter 7 liquidation cases, and filed in excess of 400 Chapter 13 wage earner reorganization cases. Steve has primarily represented the legal interests of debtors, although sometimes he has served as a trustee, represented a trustee, or represented creditors.

 

     Steve's passion is representing individuals and companies that need Bankruptcy Code protection and the strategizing that goes with it.  It’s not always the case that a person or business in financial trouble needs to file a bankruptcy case. Many times, Steve will counsel the client not to file bankruptcy or to file a bankruptcy when the timing is strategically correct for the client. Steve loves what he does! He can be reached at steve@harrislawreno.com .

      Norma Allred Guariglia is licensed to practice law in Nevada and focuses on representing clients in all aspects of bankruptcy, including debtors, creditors, trustees, and examiners in chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13. Norma also represents clients in debtor-creditor disputes outside bankruptcy, general business matters, divorce, and estate planning.

 

      Norma obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in accounting, from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1999. In 2000, Norma took the CPA examination and was recognized by the Nevada Society of Certified Public Accountants for achieving one of the highest scores on the exam by a candidate from Northern Nevada.

 

      Norma attended Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, while continuing to work full time as a paralegal for Harris Law Practice LLC. In June 2022, she graduated summa cum laude from Mitchell Hamline in the top 5% of her graduating class. During law school, Norma served as an associate of the Mitchell Hamline Law Review, Volume 47. She also received CALI awards for achieving the highest course grade in Contracts and Bankruptcy. Norma was also nominated by Mitchell Hamline as the law school’s outstanding bankruptcy student to be considered for the American College of Bankruptcy 2022 distinguished bankruptcy law student award for the Eighth Circuit. Norma now teaches bankruptcy law as an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline.

 

      Before becoming a lawyer, Norma worked for this law firm and its predecessor firms for 29 years, first as a receptionist, then bookkeeper, accountant, and paralegal. During that time, Norma closely assisted Stephen R. Harris, Esq. in small and large bankruptcy cases, including complex bankruptcy litigation resulting in favorable outcomes for the firm’s clients. Norma also helped Gloria M. Petroni, Esq. with divorce, probate, and estate planning. Norma’s prior experience as an accountant and paralegal gives her a unique perspective that many attorneys do not generally have. Simply put, Norma not only understands the law; she also knows how to convey legal issues to clients in a way that is easier for non-lawyers to comprehend.

 

      A native of Costa Rica, Norma lived in rural Nevada for several years with her husband and children before moving to Washoe County, which has been her home for the last 30 years. When she is not busy working or teaching bankruptcy students, Norma enjoys traveling, sleeping, binge-watching interesting shows, and spending time with her family.

 

      Norma excels at solving big and small problems and looks forward to speaking with you about your legal concerns. Norma tambien habla Español.  She can be reached at norma@harrislawreno.com .