Virginia Lawyers Weekly VA Lawyers Weekly
Thomas J. Harlan Jr., who practiced law in the Hampton Roads area for 40 years, died Oct. 13 of cancer. He was xx.
Mr. Harlan was born in Karachi, India, where he lived until age 9. He earned a B.S. degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the University of Richmond. After graduation, Mr. Harlan went to OCS and was commissioned as an ensign. He obtained a law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1961. After passing the Virginia bar exam the following year, he began practicing law in 1962.
He was the founder and senior partner of the law firm of Harlan & Flora in Norfolk. Mr. Harlan retired as a Commander of the United States Naval Reserve having served his country aboard the U.S.S. Missouri and the U.S.S. Mississippi.
Over the years, Mr. Harlan represented both doctors and patients in medical negligence actions. His experience also included complex personal injury and products liability cases involving companies such as Cessna, Ford, and General Motors. During his career, he authored numerous articles for legal review publications and was a speaker at many legal seminars and conventions.
Mr. Harlan was a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Mr. Harlan is survived by his wife, Barbara Rawling Harlan; his son, Thomas Keith Harlan and wife Kimberly of Virginia Beach; his daughter, Karen Harlan Ingram of Virginia Beach; four grandchildren, Tyler Ingram, Lauren Harlan, Keenan Harlan, and Micah Harlan, all of Virginia Beach; his brother, David Harlan and wife Jane of Richmond; his step-son, Dale Robertson of Virginia Beach; his step-daughter, Deborah Williams of Tennessee; and nieces and nephews.
