Harlan is one of the founding partners of the law firm of Crist, Krogh & Nord, LLC. Harlan was born in Yreka, California, on May 29, 1960. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with highest honors from Montana State University-Billings in 1982, and a J.D. degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1987. He was Associate Editor of the Gonzaga Law Review.

From 1987 to 1989 Harlan served as Law Clerk to United States District Court, Chief Judge James F. Battin in Billings. For the next 19 years, Harlan practiced law as an associate and shareholder with the Moulton Bellingham P.C. law firm where he served as one of the managing shareholders and officers. Harlan served as President of the Yellowstone Area Bar Association in 2004-05 and he continues to be an active member in both the local and State of Montana Bar Associations and the Defense Research Institute (DRI). He is listed in the publications, The Best Lawyers in America and the Mountain States Super Lawyers. He has been selected as a founding fellow in the nationally recognized Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation only trial lawyer honorary society representing less than of 1% of litigation lawyers in the country.

Harlan is a frequent presenter at seminars on a variety of topics including discrimination law, employment law, municipal defense, and trial litigation in general.

Harlan was awarded the Montana State University-Billings (formerly Eastern Montana College) Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996. He also served his local community when he was elected to the Billings School District Board of Trustees in 1995-1998. Harlan is a Past President of the Midland Roundtable and Past Chairman of the Centennial Youth Foundation. He has previously served on the governing council of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Harlan currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Big Sky State Games, a grassroots Olympic organization for the State of Montana and the Boulder Arrowhead Little League. Harlan's practice is confined to personal injury, insurance defense, commercial litigation, municipal law and employment law.

Harlan is married to Mary Beth, a former elementary school teacher. Harlan's hobbies include coaching youth sports for his children, golfing, snow skiing and enjoying the great outdoors of Montana with his family.