Jay B. Harris, a Philly lawyer 'at the top of his career'

Jay Barry Harris, 61, of Lafayette Hill, a prominent Philadelphia lawyer, died Monday, June 20, of injuries sustained last month when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Northfield, N.J.

Mr. Harris had been hospitalized since the May 29 accident. He died at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Mr. Harris was known nationally and internationally as an expert on insurance defense litigation and cases involving transportation and the trucking industry. He was a partner in the Philadelphia law firm of Fineman, Krekstein & Harris with over 30 years of litigation experience, and had been admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

Recently, responding to the times, he focused on claims arising from the fracking industry and concussions occurring in NFL players. He wrote and lectured widely, and had just returned from giving a presentation on insurance to Lloyd's of London.

"He was at the top of his career," said law partner David Fineman, who knew Mr. Harris for 35 years.

Lots of smart people practice law, Fineman said, but Mr. Harris' manner of dealing with clients - he was firm and quiet - inspired respect and trust. Even his adversaries in legal matters liked him.

Mr. Harris also mentored younger lawyers and impressed upon his law partners the need to promote women and minorities in the firm, Fineman said.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Harris graduated from Roslyn High School on Long Island, and earned a bachelor of science degree in urban studies from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976, and a degree from Temple University's Beasley School of Law in 1980.

He clerked for Common Pleas Court Judge Abraham Gafni in Philadelphia his first year out of law school, and soon after joined the firm of Berson, Fineman and Bernstein, now called Fineman, Krekstein & Harris. He was made a partner in 1988.

He was a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel as well as the Defense Research Institute. He served as an institute board member for three years and in 2006 received its Davis Carr Award for leadership skills.

Mr. Harris' wife, Cindy K., associate professor of accounting in the business and economics department at Ursinus College, described her husband as "extraordinarily well-liked, well-rounded, and active."

"He made use of every minute of his time," she said.

From 1995 to 1997, he was president of Beth Tikvah B'Nai Jeshurun, his family's synagogue in Erdenheim, and he remained active on its board and with its men's club.

He played tennis, donated blood regularly to the American Red Cross, served on the boards of nonprofits, including the American Liver Foundation and Team Up Philly, and supported Ace for the Cure (of Juvenile Diabetes).

Mr. Harris was an enthusiastic sports fan, closely following New York teams, especially the Yankees, Giants, and Knicks. "He tried to be quiet about it," said son Michael.

In recent years, he had become an avid cyclist, enjoying long, scenic rides at the Jersey Shore, and participating in the annual Bike MS: City to Shore Ride, which raises funds for multiple sclerosis research.

His passion was his family. "He was a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and cousin. He stepped up for everyone and put family members before himself," his wife said.

"He made everyone around him feel special - no matter what their age. He made friends easily, and quickly became their confidants. With charisma and a sparkle in his eye, he made people feel connected and drawn to him."

Besides his wife and son, he is survived by daughter Jamie.

Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, June 23, at Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel, 4737 E. Street Rd., Feasterville-Trevose. Interment will follow in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Trevose.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society via www.cancer.org/donate; to Beth Tikvah B'Nai Jeshurun, 1001 Paper Mill Rd., Erdenheim, Pa. 19038; or to the Brain Trauma Foundation via www.braintrauma.org.

bcook@phillynews.com

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