David J. Harris

David Harris practices primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, banking, bankruptcy and creditor’s rights. He is a member of the American Arbitration Association Commercial Dispute Panel and frequently serves as an arbitrator and mediator in complex commercial disputes. Mr. Harris represents several banks and financial institutions in a variety of matters, including advice concerning asset-based financing matters, and has served as national counsel for one of the nation’s largest hotel and hospitality companies in bankruptcy and reorganization matters pending across the United States. He is also legal counsel to numerous not-for-profit, education, and charitable organizations. Mr. Harris presently serves as a member of the firm’s Management Committee.

Professional Honors and Activities

• Named Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law in the Memphis area (2017)
• Named Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Bet-the-Company Litigation in the Memphis area (2015)
• Named to Best Lawyers® in America list in the areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking & Finance, Litigation – Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2007 – 2019)
• Named to the “Top 100 Tennessee Super Lawyers” list (2010- 2012)
• Named to the “Top 50 Memphis Super Lawyers” list (2010- 2011)
• Named to the Mid-South Super Lawyers list in the areas of Business Litigation, Banking, and Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights (2007, 2009- 2017)
• Leadership Memphis (Class of 1989)
• President, University of Memphis Law Alumni Association (1996)
• Member, American Arbitration Association Commercial Dispute Panel
• Member, Board of Directors, Memphis Bar Association (2013- 2015, 1997- 1998, 1986- 1987, 1983- 1984); Selection Committee on Professionalism (1988); Young Lawyers Division (Director, 1981- 1985; Secretary, 1982; President, 1983- 1984)
• Recipient, Memphis Bar Association Sam A. Myar, Jr. Award (1991)
• Tennessee Bar Association, Director, Litigation Section; Director, Young Lawyers Conference (1984- 1987); Distinguished Service Award (1985- 1986)
• American Bar Association, Executive Council (1985- 1987); Director (1987- 1988); Young Lawyers Division
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation, Tennessee Bar Foundation and Memphis Bar Foundation

Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC

For over 100 years, the lawyers of Burch, Porter & Johnson have approached the practice of law as a calling, continuing our founders’ forward-thinking philosophy. This history of Thinking Forward is ingrained in our culture – as alive today as it has been for more than 100 years.

Our philosophy is simple: provide innovative, practical solutions to obtain the best result for our clients. This philosophy is built on three core values:

Commitment to Client-Service. We recognize that accessibility, attention to detail and proactive communication are the hallmarks of a successful client-attorney relationship. That is why clients continue to rely upon our firm to handle sensitive and complex matters, as they have for more than 100 years.

Practical, Innovative Solutions. Our attorneys strive to anticipate what others may miss, focus on strategic solutions that aid in the efficient and cost-effective resolution of legal issues, and collaborate with clients to form future-focused plans. We concentrate on building and maintaining long-term relationships.

Tradition of Leadership and Integrity.  Community leadership is a foundation of the firm, evidenced by our involvement in matters of national and regional importance, in the past– representing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the landmark sanitation workers’ strike, and fighting to preserve our city’s Overton Park green space before the United States Supreme Court and in the present– working to forge a new direction for public education in Memphis and Shelby County, and devising innovative structures to protect our valuable public resources such as Shelby Farms. Our lawyers remain dedicated to public service, and currently play meaningful roles in over 40 local civic and non-profit organizations.