Eric Harlan, Business Attorney in Towson, Maryland
focused on Business, Family Law, and Litigation
Towson, MD
Trusted business attorney serving Towson.
Practices in
Are you Eric Harlan?
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Quick answer
Eric Harlan is an attorney based in Towson, MARYLAND. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC.
- Based in
- Towson, MARYLAND
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Family Law · Litigation
- Handles Business, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Towson, MARYLAND.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
About Eric Harlan: Eric Harlan is an attorney based in Towson, MARYLAND. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Eric Harlan
Eric concentrates on business, family law, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Eric handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Business cases in Towson, Maryland
Eric takes business matters in Towson, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Towson, Maryland
Eric takes family law matters in Towson, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Towson, Maryland
Eric takes litigation matters in Towson, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Eric Harlan — Attorney of Maryland business experience
Eric Harlan is an attorney based in Towson, MARYLAND. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC.
Eric Harlan is a dedicated attorney at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC, focusing on Litigation in Towson, Maryland. With his comprehensive understanding of RESPA and Kickback Schemes, and Mortgage and Financial Services Fraud, Eric is a valuable asset to clients seeking legal support in these areas. He has received recognition from his peers for his professional contributions since 2017.
Eric joined Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC in 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of trial and appellate experience. He has successfully handled jury cases to verdict in state and federal courts and has presented appeals before the Fourth Circuit and the Appellate Court of Maryland. As a vital part of the firm’s Litigation Group, Eric works on complex civil litigation and class action cases. His achievements encompass a variety of legal areas such as employment litigation, complex commercial disputes, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury cases, and have earned him an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Eric is a cum laude graduate of Washington & Lee University and magna cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law. His legal journey began in 1995 as a clerk for the Honorable Joseph H.H. Kaplan, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Beyond his legal practice, Eric is engaged in leadership roles with the American Bar Association Section and the Lawyers’ Campaign for CollegeBound Foundation. He is also on the Board of Directors for Athletes Serving Athletes, emphasizing his commitment to empowering individuals with limited mobility to participate in mainstream running events.
How Eric handles business matters
Eric Harlan is a dedicated attorney at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC, focusing on Litigation in Towson, Maryland. With his comprehensive understanding of RESPA and Kickback Schemes, and Mortgage and Financial Services Fraud, Eric is a valuable asset to clients seeking legal support in these areas. He has received recognition from his peers for his professional contributions since 2017. Eric joined…
The kind of cases Eric takes
Eric reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, family law, and litigation matters in Towson and the surrounding Maryland area.
Credentials
Eric Harlan's legal education and bar admissions
University of Baltimore
J.D. · 1994
Eric studied at J.D. in University of Baltimore.
Law school and academic background
Eric completed J.D. in University of Baltimore. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Eric runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Eric Harlan
Eric has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
Locations
Eric Harlan's office in Towson
Eric's primary office is at 600 Washington Avenue, Suite 200, Towson, Maryland, 21204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC
600 Washington Avenue, Suite 200
Towson, Maryland 21204
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Client reviews of Eric Harlan
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Eric Harlan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Eric usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Eric charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Eric's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Eric will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Towson, Maryland
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Eric
Eric discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Eric confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Eric's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Eric Harlan
How much does it cost to hire Eric for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Eric walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Eric offer a free consultation?
Eric charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Eric's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Eric's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Maryland typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Eric gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Eric take my case if I'm outside Towson?
Eric is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Eric will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Eric?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Eric will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Eric accepting new business clients right now?
Eric's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Towson, Baltimore and Annapolis in Maryland
Eric handles business matters throughout Maryland. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Eric's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Towson handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





