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Exclusive: Documents Show Kamala Harris's Mixed Ratings as Lawyer

 October 14, 2024

Kamala Harris received mixed reviews during her tenure as a civil lawyer for the City of San Francisco, with recent revelations highlighting issues concerning her leadership and job performance. Currently serving as vice president, Harris's time as a civil lawyer notably contrasts with her later successful political career.

Daily Mail reported that documents from her time as a civil lawyer reveal both criticisms of her performance and her eventual political rise, despite early challenges.

Harris began her career in the San Francisco district attorney's office. However, her early ambitions faced a setback when she led a disorganized attempt to remove Chief Deputy District Attorney Darrell Salomon. Harris cited "dysfunctional" leadership and "low level of morale" when she resigned from this role, reflecting broader concerns within the office.

Joining the City Attorney's Office

In 2000, Harris transitioned to a new role under city attorney Louise Renne, overseeing the Child Services Unit. Her leadership in this position later received mixed reviews. By September 2002, a review by the Department of Human Services highlighted areas where her team performed unfavorably, despite some positive aspects being acknowledged.

Critically, Harris was described as lacking in thoroughness, proactivity, and effective communication, with poor ratings in several key performance areas. The review pointed to varying performance levels among attorneys, indicative of an overarching communication and leadership issue within the unit.

The review clarified that a rating of '3' was a neutral, middle score, underscoring the presence of modest opinions regarding her performance. This period presented challenges that would influence Harris's trajectory as she navigated further into public service.

Connections and Early Political Moves

Amidst her career developments, Harris maintained connections with influential figures, notably Willie Brown, who appointed her to state board positions. However, she was often absent from meetings, which sparked further discussion about her engagement in these roles.

Her political journey took a significant turn in 2003 when she defeated Terrence Hallinan to become the district attorney of San Francisco. Despite this victory, her tenure saw a drop in conviction rates, alongside other controversies, including a significant crime lab scandal that attracted public attention.

Harris's mix of achievements and controversies added layers to her public image. Her prosecutorial experience became a talking point as she pursued higher office despite the mixed record.

The Complex Path to Vice Presidency

Reflecting on her career path, Harris candidly shared on The Howard Stern Show that a prosecutor's core duty is simply to "do the right thing," a stance that resonates with her enduring belief in public service. Her narrative underscores the complexities and challenges that have shaped her journey in law and politics.

As Harris campaigns for the presidency, her multifaceted career, spanning legal controversies and political triumphs, forms the backdrop of her candidacy. Her early leadership challenges and responses to adversity highlight a nuanced career that continues to evolve on the national stage.

This intricate history provides a glimpse into the factors influencing Harris's current role, offering insight into the layers of experience that accompany her political journey. The revelations of her past performance, juxtaposed against her rise, illustrate the enduring nature of her political and professional evolution.