Annabelle Harris
Case Studies
Partner
“Successful lawyers understand that strategy is everything. In each of my cases, I formulate an individual strategy that accounts for a wide range of factors presented and is specific to that case alone. Focus on that strategy separates me from other lawyers and explains why I rarely lose.”
Ms. Harris joined Cummins & White, LLP in 1987 and became a partner in 1994. Ms. Harris represents insurance companies and their insureds in both first and third party coverage analysis, disputes, litigation and appeals. She handles all aspects of insurance coverage issues, from policy drafting to claim appraisals to “bad faith” litigation.
Practice Areas
- Insurance Coverage
- Insurance Litigation
- Appellate Matters
- Civil Litigation
Bar Admissions
- U.S. District Court (Central, Eastern & Southern Districts of California)
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Education
- BA (English Literature), California State University, Fullerton
- Salzburg Institute of Legal Studies, Salzburg, Austria
- JD, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Representative Clients
- CNA Insurance Company
- Great American Insurance Company
- Philadelphia Insurance Company
- Salem Lutheran Church
- Santa Monica BMW
- CIBA Insurance Services
Recognition
Ms. Harris has broad appellate experience, and has handled more than one hundred appeals, many of which have resulted in the establishment of new law in California. Her appeals have ranged from first party property insurance coverage issues to breach of contract in a securities context. She has frequently been commended by the appellate court justices for her concise and compelling legal argument.
Memberships
- State Bar of California
- American Bar Association
- Orange County Bar Association
- Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Charitable Interests & Community Service
Ms. Harris serves on the youth board of Salem Lutheran Church helping to establish policies and plan activities for the youth groups. She also coached the Orange High School team in national mock trial competition sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. Additionally, Ms. Harris serves on the Parent Council Executive Board for Servite High School.
Special Notes
While at McGeorge School of Law, Ms. Harris served as staff comment writer (1985–1986) and note editor (1986–1987) for the Pacific Law Journal, as well as staff writer for the International and Comparative Law Journal (1986–1987). She was on the Dean’s Honor Roll (1984–1985), and was the recipient of the Verne Adrian and Annabel McGeorge Academic Scholarship (1985). She also was honored for her work with the indigent for Community Legal Services. Ms. Harris is fluent in American Sign Language.
