Prior to joining Newmeyer Dillion, Harlye served for 13 years in the United States Marine Corps in both legal and non-legal roles.  This included serving as a prosecutor at multiple military bases and as the Senior Prosecutor for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  Harlye personally prosecuted or provided oversight in hundreds of cases involving both military and civilian defendants, including those charged with murder, rape, larceny, and fraud.  In this capacity, Harlye participated in dozens of matters that were tried to verdict and obtained convictions in numerous complex and high-profile matters.  Harlye also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, led Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s Criminal Investigation Division, advocated for clients as a legal assistance attorney, drafted department-wide policy as a Pentagon legal advisor, and advised senior officers as a legal advisor for special operations in Afghanistan.

After leaving active duty, Harlye remained in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, serving as a prosecutor and then as a preliminary hearing officer, evaluating evidence and providing recommendations concerning the disposition of criminal charges.