Shook Civil Rights Lawyer Joins Innocence Project of Texas

Shook Senior Counsel Michael Harrison has joined the Board of Directors of the Innocence Project of Texas (IPTX). Innocence Project of Texas was founded in 2006 by two criminal defense attorneys who volunteered their time to free the wrongfully convicted. Since then, IPTX has grown to be one of the leading innocence organizations in the country having exonerated or freed 37 people.

“It’s a tremendous honor to join an organization like Innocence Project of Texas (IPTX) that has been one of the leading innocence organizations in the country,” said Harrison from his Houston office. “My focus as a board member will be to contribute my years of experience as a civil rights attorney and justice advocate to further IPTX’s mission to exonerate, educate and reform.” 

Harrison joined Shook’s Houston office in 2023 to expand and lead the firm’s civil rights and pro bono efforts. Prior to joining the firm, Harrison was an Assistant District Attorney & Chief Prosecutor in the Civil Rights Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston. Through Shook’s civil rights practice, Harrison provides Shook lawyers with training and guidance on issues of civil rights law, investigation skills and litigation strategies.

“As the leader of Shook’s Civil Rights & Racial Justice Pro Bono Practice, I work every day alongside civil rights and legal services organization that are dedicated to advancing justice,” said Harrison. “I am grateful for the awesome opportunity to be a part of one.”