Robert W. Harlow
Practice Areas
Experience
- Energy Finance
- Family Office
- Healthcare Finance
- Industrial Real Estate
Biography
“Rob just gets it” is how a client once described Rob Harlow’s approach to counseling and assisting clients in their business endeavors. With two years in a Big Four Accounting firm and two years with a large national multifamily developer prior to his law career, Rob has a unique perspective on what is important to a client.
“Money and Dirt.” Rob’s practice revolves around commercial finance and commercial real estate transactions. Whether it be a $100 plus million syndicated construction loan, a commercial lease or purchase and sale transaction, a credit tenant lease transaction, a small commercial working capital loan, Rob’s combination of accounting, business, and legal experience allows him to provide unparalleled customer service.
Rob also has extensive experience in real property, mezzanine debt, and foreclosures as well as personal property/UCC foreclosures and workouts, with the ability to handle foreclosures in any of the 254 counties in Texas. He is also a leading authority on the Texas Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and other âElectronic Signature Acts.â
Education
B.B.A., University of Texas at Austin
J.D., University of Houston Law Center
Bar Admissions
Texas
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2022-2026
- Real Estate Law, 2022-2026
- Banking and Finance Law, 2023
- Co-Author, “Frequently Asked Questions: Labor & Employment for Nonprofit Organizations,” Jackson Walker Insights & Resources (August 2020)
- “Electronic Signatures 101,” Jackson Walker Insights & Resources
- Krist Samaritan Center, Board Member
- MS Society
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston Bar Association
- Association of Commercial Real Estate Professionals
- Texas Association of Bank Counsel
- Greater Houston Partnership Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
In Memoriam: A Tribute to Michael Kuhn
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our friend and partner Michael Kuhn on April 15, 2025. Michael was a cherished member of our team and a beloved friend to many. His contributions to our firm and the legal community were immense, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
Spotlight • May 6, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
New Texas Laws Impacting Businesses
On September 1, 2021, more than 650 new Texas laws went into effect. As businesses ensure compliance with several of the new laws, Jackson Walker provides a summary below of a number of newly effective and upcoming laws related to “Constitutional Carry”; COVID-19; diversity, equity, and inclusion; open government; sexual harassment claims; and the Texas Business Organizations Code.
Insights • September 2, 2021
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
Legislative Update: Impact of New âConstitutional Carryâ Law on Commercial Landlords
By Robert Harlow
Among the seven bills signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 17, 2021, is House Bill 1927, named the Firearm Carry Act of 2021. Effective September 1, the law will authorize Texans ages 21 and up, who are not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, to legally carry a handgun without a license to carry.
Insights • June 29, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions: Labor & Employment for Nonprofit Organizations
Jackson Walker attorneys highlight labor and employment topics as they relate to nonprofit organizations, including staff classification, wages and other compensation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, overtime pay, and employee benefits.
Insights • August 24, 2020
Robert Harlow Featured in ‘Law360’ Article on Real Estate Deal
Jackson Walker partner Robert Harlow was featured in a Law360 article regarding his role as a leading member of the team that represented Capital One in financing the $125 million purchase of a large multifamily property in one of Brooklyn’s most popular neighborhoods.
Mentions • March 22, 2016
Implications of Texas’ Open Carry Law for Property Owners
By Rob Harlow
Texas House Bill 910, also known as the “Open Carry” bill, was signed in to law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 13, 2015. Most of the provisions of the “Open Carry” law become effective on January 1, 2016. The new “Open Carry” law authorizes individuals to obtain a license to openly carry a handgun in the same places that a person could previously carry a concealed handgun, with a few exceptions. Because the new “Open Carry” law allows a person to carry a handgun in an open and noticeable fashion, it has drawn much more attention from the public and the press.
Insights • December 7, 2015
James Prappas Speaks on Immigration and Rob Harlow Speaks on Legal Issues Involved in Real Property Purchases by Foreign Buyers
Jackson Walker partners Robert Harlow and James Prappas gave a presentation titled “Overview of U.S. Immigration Law â Selected Issues and U.S. Real Estate Primer” on March 19, 2015. The presentation discussed temporary visas, U.S. citizenship and naturalization, foreign purchase of U.S. real estate, and other topics. It was presented at a lunch and learn event to the Keller Williams Realtors International Division.
Attorney News • March 20, 2015
Rob Harlow Participates in HoustonPBS Mortgage Crisis Panel
Jackson Walker partner Rob Harlow was recently featured on a HoustonPBS TV production titled, “Facing the Mortgage Crisis.” The program, a community service initiative designed to showcase trusted foreclosure prevention resources, gave the studio audience and telephone callers a chance to get information on foreclosures from a panel of experts.
Attorney News • August 7, 2009
Congress Preempts Texas Foreclosure Law
By Rob Harlow
On May 20, 2009, the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2009 was signed into law. The purpose of the Act was to provide debtors more flexibility to modify the terms of a federally related mortgage loan or a loan on any dwelling or residential real property. Much has been made in the media about the effects of the Act; however, one area of the Act that has been overlooked involves the protections provided to tenants of property subject to the Act.
Attorney News • June 23, 2009
How to Protect Your Restaurant in Today’s Hard Economic Times
“Family Owned Restaurant Falls Victim to Foreclosure Crisisâ, âLongtime Favorite Restaurant Shuttering Doorsâ, âLocal Hangout Calling It Quitsâ â These are headlines that are all too familiar in todayâs economy. However, many times the restaurant affected was a success but fell victim to the financial pitfalls of the landlord. So, the question becomes, how does a restaurant operator obtain protection against such risk.
Insights • December 11, 2008
Commercial Finance
- Construction loans
- Commercial and industrial loans
- Syndications and participations
- Credit tenant lease financing
- Mezzanine debt
Foreclosures/Workouts
- Real estate foreclosures
- Commercial and personal property foreclosures
- Mezzanine debt foreclosures
- Workout and forbearance agreements
- UCC filing issues and controversies
Commercial Real Estate
- Purchases and sale agreements
- Leasing
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2022-2026
- Real Estate Law, 2022-2026
- Banking and Finance Law, 2023
Publications & Speeches
- Co-Author, “Frequently Asked Questions: Labor & Employment for Nonprofit Organizations,” Jackson Walker Insights & Resources (August 2020)
- “Electronic Signatures 101,” Jackson Walker Insights & Resources
Community Involvement
- Krist Samaritan Center, Board Member
- MS Society
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston Bar Association
- Association of Commercial Real Estate Professionals
- Texas Association of Bank Counsel
- Greater Houston Partnership Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Areas of Focus
Commercial Finance
- Construction loans
- Commercial and industrial loans
- Syndications and participations
- Credit tenant lease financing
- Mezzanine debt
Foreclosures/Workouts
- Real estate foreclosures
- Commercial and personal property foreclosures
- Mezzanine debt foreclosures
- Workout and forbearance agreements
- UCC filing issues and controversies
Commercial Real Estate
- Purchases and sale agreements
- Leasing