Erica Harris worked on various real estate deals as a lawyer for more than a decade. When she started on a development offer for her own property, it sparked a passion that prompted her to change careers.

Now a real estate professional with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, Harris serves residential and commercial clients in the city and suburbs. “I am laser-focused on the end result,” she says. “I am able to see all sides of a transaction and come up with a goal for clients while recognizing the motivations of the other side to get the deal done fairly and efficiently.”

Harris grew up around family members who fixed and flipped houses, and she’s personally invested in rental property, giving investor clients a distinct advantage. “I have an ability to connect the dots outside of the transaction, which has created long-term, meaningful relationships with clients,” Harris says. “I want them to have the facts, figures and data to understand the market and remain aligned and empowered throughout the process.”

Despite Harris’ intense business focus, clients find her personality to be one of her greatest gifts. She is positive and optimistic and brings her charisma to every situation. To her, the best part of the job is when she’s able to become friends with past clients.

Helping clients through tough transactions and generating optimal results are Harris’ specialties. Recently, she surprised one client who thought their home would be difficult to sell, getting it under contract in five days in a multiple-bid situation. She also took over a listing that had been on the market for over a year and got it under contract in 45 days. 

Founder of The Legal Balance, a networking organization for women lawyers, Harris is also a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, Real Estate Investment Association and Chicago Bar Association. She’s working on launching an organization to empower economically disadvantaged individuals to manage work-life balance.