Ben Harris

From an early age, Ben knew he wanted to dedicate his career toward protecting aquatic habitats from environmental harm and improving access to clean water. LA Waterkeeper offered him the perfect opportunity to fulfill his goals.  

As Senior Staff Attorney, he advocates to protect water resources and enhance the natural environment throughout the LA region, and he leads the organization’s campaign to revitalize the LA River. He also assists with the organization’s efforts to combat stormwater pollution, reduce sewage spills, and establish local climate-resilient water supplies while protecting against rising water demand. Through his work at LA Waterkeeper, Ben has successfully advocated for environmentally responsible decision-making at the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and has collaborated productively with a variety of other government agencies in the LA area. 

Ben received his undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from UCLA, where he returned to obtain a J.D. from UCLA School of Law. After law school, he worked as a litigator in private practice but left to clerk for the Honorable Stephen V. Wilson in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.  

Prior to joining LA Waterkeeper, Ben spent two years as a fellow at the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at UCLA School of Law, where he represented clients in their pursuit of environmental advocacy and co-taught the environmental law clinic.