Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC

2 Best Lawyers awards

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Awarded Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation Family Law

Biography

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.

Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC

2 Best Lawyers awards

Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC logo

Overview

  • University of Baltimore, J.D., graduated 1994
  • University of Baltimore, J.D., graduated 1994

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Family Law

Additional Information

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Case History

Cases
  • Wrongful Death
Serving as lead counsel, Eric obtained a $2.5 million settlement for families in a multiple wrongful death and survivor action against a commercial freight carrier in the Circuit Court for Howard County and won a $7 million judgment against a defendant in a commercial dispute in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
  • In re Titanium Dioxide Antitrust Litigation
Before coming to SGS, Eric was part of numerous class action litigation teams, including In re Titanium Dioxide Antitrust Litigation, which resulted in a $163.5 million settlement for class members.
  • McPeake, et. al. v. Universal Mortgage & Finance, Inc.
Not long after joining the firm, Eric secured certification of a 600-member class of mortgage borrowers who were victims of RESPA kickback violations in McPeake, et. al. v. Universal Mortgage & Finance, Inc., a class action pending in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.

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