Harry Erckmann was born and lived in Charleston. A first honor graduate of the College of Charleston, he was always a tireless and meticulous worker.
He studied law under his uncle, J.E. Burke, and became his partner in Burke and Erckmann. He engaged in active practice more than 60 years with integrity, courage, and belief in the righteousness of his clients’ cases. Modest and kind, he was always helpful to younger lawyers.
A careful student, he strove for logic, clarity, and conciseness in his pleadings, briefs, and argument. His oral argument was “logic on fire with emotion,” and often convincing to both judges and juries.
He was active in the Young Mens Christian Association, a founder of the Charleston Country Club, and he served in the South Carolina Legislature on the Ways and Means Committee. He also enjoyed membership in the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. He was a diligent worker, wise counselor, and an able advocate.