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Biography

Harlan assists clients in real estate transactions and structured finance including the acquisition of land acquisitions, joint venture formations, development and leasing for office, hotel, retail and shopping centers. He represents lenders in complex, multi-state workouts, deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure and foreclosure of real estate-secured loans, loan modifications and loan origination for permanent and construction financings, as well as mezzanine financing. Harlan has extensive experience in debtor-in-possession financing and performs real estate-related counseling in corporate bankruptcies and reorganizations.

Additionally, Harlan is Co-Chair of the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Finance Sub-Team.

Other Info About Harlan

Education

Law School

Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1988 summa cum laude

Undergraduate School

University of Michigan, B.A., 1985, summa cum laude

Bar Memberships

Harlan is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Ohio

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

Award Selection Methodology

Chambers USA, Real Estate, 2007 – 2026

Martindale AV rated 2007 – 2026

“Top Lawyers in Columbus,” Columbus CEO Magazine, 2024 – 2026

“Best Lawyers for Real Estate Law,” Columbus CEO Magazine, 2024

The Best Lawyers in America®; Real Estate Law, 2006-2026; Litigation – Real Estate, 2011-2026, “Lawyer of the Year,” 2020-2021, 2023; Banking and Finance Law, 2013-2026

Selected to Ohio Super Lawyers, 2004-2026

Business Today, Top 10 Standout Real Estate Lawyers in Ohio, 2023

The Legal 500 United States, “Recommended Lawyer,” 2019-2021

Columbus Monthly, “Top Lawyer,” January 2020

Columbus Business First, Who’s Who in Law

Finance Monthly Magazine, Deal Maker of the Year, 2013

BTI Consulting Group, Client Service All-Star, 2011

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Bar Association

Georgia Bar Association

Ohio State Bar Association

Columbus Bar Association

The Counselors of Real Estate, Member, 2016 – 2026

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

President, Columbus Jewish Foundation 2020 – 2026

Member of Collections Committee, Columbus Museum of Art

 

Firm Committees

Harlan serves or has served in the following leadership role(s) at FBT Gibbons:

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, Member

Opinion Committee, Member

Presentations

Harlan was invited to speak at the following events:

Presenter, “COVID-19 and Its Long-Haul Side Effects on Landlord-Tenant Relationships,” ICSC OH/KY/IN/MI/PA Retail Development & Law Symposium, April 2021

Major Publications

Harlan is an author or contributor to the following publications:

Contributor, “The Impact of Zoning Laws on Commercial Real Estate,” Super Lawyers®, September 4, 2024

Featured Story, “Law Firms Rank Among ‘Best of the Best’ For Real Estate,” grbj.com, Grand Rapids Business Journal, September 9, 2015

Featured, “Fast-Growing Law Firm Takes Entire Floor at Downtown Tower,” bizjournals.com, Columbus Business First, August 5, 2015

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