LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2026: Kevin K. Fitzharris

Partner
Barrett McNagny LLP

Kevin Fitzharris’ decision to pursue a legal career was both early and emphatic. “In junior high school I liked dressing up and talking in front of people,” Fitzharris said. “With no attorneys in the family, I went for it.” Fitzharris “immediately said yes” when he was offered a job at the end of his 1989 summer clerkship at Barrett McNagny and spent more than two decades as a litigator there. He now specializes in mediation and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and businesses resolve complex legal disputes. Whether advocating in the courtroom or serving as a mediator, Fitzharris works closely with clients to guide them through challenging legal issues and help bring matters to meaningful resolution. He is dedicated to mentoring and supporting associates within the firm by taking an active role in training the next generation of attorneys. Fitzharris also frequently participates in conferences and seminars focused on alternative dispute resolution and speaks at local and statewide continuing legal education programs.

Givebacks: member, board of governors, Indiana State Bar Association; member, Allen County Judicial Nomination Commission and Federal Court Merit Selection Panel for the U.S. Magistrate Judges for the Northern District of Indiana, Fort Wayne Division; elder, Emmanuel Community Church; dancer, Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars benefitting The Carriage House

First job: newspaper delivery boy

Lesson learned: “On my way to my first jury trial with the legendary lawyer, Bill McNagny, I asked him how many trials I had to do before I wasn’t nervous any longer. He told me, ‘When you stop being nervous, quit. It means you don’t care anymore.’”

Mentors: “My dad. He told me, ‘Work first, play later.’”

Job swap: Travel agent. “I love planning trips.”

Favorite de-stressors: “Driving to our lake cottage in Clear Lake, Indiana.”•

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