Attorneys

Dan Hartzog

Of Counsel

919-480-2516 (phone and fax) dhartzog@hartzoglawgroup.com
Dan Hartzog

Practice Area(s)

  • Employment Law
  • Municipal Law
  • Education Law

Education

  • University of North Carolina (JD, 1973)
  • University of North Carolina (BA, 1969)

Admissions & Certifications

  • North Carolina, 1973
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court
Bio Cases Community Involvement Accomplishments

Dan Hartzog is a seasoned trial attorney with more than 40 years of litigation experience in North Carolina.  He has tried over a hundred jury trials to conclusion with an exceptionally high number of defense verdicts.  In recent years, Dan has handled several highly publicized cases in both federal and state courts. He served as Managing Partner of Cranfill, Sumner and Hartzog from 1992 to 2015.

Through the years, Dan has honed his litigation skills by handling a broad range of civil litigation cases, including premises security and liability, liquor law liability, products liability, intentional torts, police liability, education law and commercial litigation.

In 2013, Dan was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers.  Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship. Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or Canadian province.

Over the years, Dan has been routinely honored and recognized by his peers as one of the top lawyers in the area of personal injury litigation. Dan holds the rank of “Advocate” in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), which is only bestowed upon lawyers who have tried at least fifty jury trials to conclusion as lead counsel.  He also maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell, a prestigious peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached high levels of skill and integrity.

A North Carolina native, Dan attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies and law school.  He and his wife Tricia are residents of Raleigh.

Dan M. Hartzog
Rated by Super Lawyers
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Dan M. Hartzog
Rated by Super Lawyers
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  • DRI, Member
  • NCBA, Member
  • NCADA, Member
  • Wake County Bar Association, Board of Directors (1984 - 1986); Secretary (1979 - 1984)
  • White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Deacon and Ruling Elder
  • The Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation - Municipal in Raleigh (2024)
  • The Best Lawyers® Litigation Municipal "Lawyer of the Year" for Raleigh (2022)
  • Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in the fields of Bet-The-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Municipal, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2022)
  • NC Bar Association Hall of Fame (2019)
  • NC Super Lawyers (2006-2020)
  • Inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers (2013)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” for Bet the Company Litigation (2013)
  • Rank of Advocate in American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
  • Best Lawyers® Litigation Municipal “Lawyer of the Year” for Raleigh (2016)
  • Selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition
  • Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in the fields of Bet-The-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Municipal, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2006-2019)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2014, 2017)
  • Business NC Legal Elite (2008-2014)
  • Recognized as one of Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite in the field of Litigation (2008 – 2014)
  • Selected as a 2014 Leader in the Law Honoree by NC Lawyers Weekly
  • Selected as one of Business Leaders 24 Legal Impact Leaders (2008)
  • Profiled in August, 2007 issue of Business Leader Magazine
 BACK TO ALL ATTORNEYS >
 1
Very professional  and knowledgeable firm in civil defense and employment law, particularly with respect to municipal operations, and municipal law in general. I have great confidence in all of their partners and associates, as far as legal acumen, professionalism, and sound practical advice. Highly recommend the firm.
JOHN SCHIFANO
TOWN OF HOLLY SPRINGS
The Hartzog Law Group have a tremendous amount of experience and expertise with local governments, and always professional.
GERRY VINCENT
TOWN MANAGER
Hartzog Law Group is one of the best law firms I have had the pleasure of working with in my 25+ year insurance career. They have exceptional expertise in the area of general Municipal law, and we have worked many cases together with  great results. They are always accessible when needed and provide prompt legal analysis on, in many instances, complex municipal matters. Dan has argued numerous cases that have made a noticeable impact on the case law. Several of those cases involved matters of first impression and are now landmark decisions that are often cited in appellate briefs on both the state and federal level in several jurisdictions. When reporters are looking at every aspect of your case, you don’t want to make headlines, you just want justice for your client. And Dan has done well in achieving those kinds of results, many times under great pressure.
ANONYMOUS
Having worked with Hartzog Law Group for many years and I continue to be impressed with their professionalism in litigation claims handling.
ANONYMOUS
Hartzog Law Group remains consistently exceptional in their expertise, professionalism and level of service in municipal law and litigation.
ANONYMOUS
Hartzog Law Group is one of the most professional firms I have worked with on employment law issues. The attorneys are very knowledgeable and always respond in a timely manner. They take the time to explain the process and potential outcomes. They give honest and solid advice. I would highly recommend Hartzog Law Group.
ANONYMOUS
Hartzog Law Group is one of the best law firms I have had the pleasure of working with in my 25+ year insurance career. They have exceptional expertise in the area of Labor & Employment law, and we have worked many cases together with great results. They are always accessible when needed and provide prompt legal analysis on complex employment matters. The lawyers at Hartzog Law Group work directly and closely with our members, which is a critical aspect of the claims and litigation process. Our members often provide positive feedback about their experiences with Hartzog Law Group.
ANONYMOUS
The City of Reidsville has worked with both Katie Hartzog and Dan Hartzog, Jr. on several cases. Both are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and responsive to our questions. The extensive knowledge the Hartzog Law Group offers continues to be beneficial to the City as we update policies and work through changes in compliance issues. They have successfully represented us in several cases or investigations.  We have been pleased with not only their ability to successfully resolve these issues but how they kept us up-to-date and well informed throughout the process. We would strongly recommend the Hartzog Law Group to anyone looking for expertise in employment law.
LEIGH ANNE BASSINGER
CITY OF REIDSVILLE
The Hartzog Law Group has expertly guided the town through numerous situations posing unique municipal legal questions. Its counsel has proven to limit the town's exposure to legal liability, and has improved the town's ability to provide the essential public services our residents rely on every day. The firm is a reliable, trusted partner I would recommend to any municipal leader or organization—without reservation.
PHIIP CORDEIRO
TOWN OF YOUNGSVILLE
The Town of Siler City was first introduced to Dan and Katie Hartzog through the NC League of Municipalities. The firm has handled litigation for the Town in the areas of personal injury and labor and employment matters. Cases have involved terminations, rescinding conditional job offers, and EEO claims of discrimination based on age, race, national origin, and religion. The professionals at Hartzog Law Group are experts in their field. Their knowledge, thoroughness, and guidance have always produced positive results for the Town. The time spent with us on preparation for depositions, guidance and advice on how to respond to situations in order to avoid litigation, their availability and accessibility, and their genuine care and concern for the Town sets them apart in our eyes. Our Town attorney respects their knowledge and expertise as we often work collaboratively on personnel matters. We would highly recommend Hartzog Law Group for all your Labor and Employment litigation needs!
NANCY DARDEN
TOWN OF SILER CITY
Hartzog Law Group delivers extraordinarily high quality service, professionalism, and expertise at very reasonable rates. It is also truly a delight to work with them. Hartzog Law Group is easily the best municipal liability defense firm in the state of North Carolina.
ANONYMOUS
Hartzog Law Group is one of the best I have worked with in my 20+ years of handling litigated claims. The lawyers are not only very knowledgeable in this area of the law, but they also work closely with our members in defense of their claims.
ANONYMOUS
The Hartzog Law Group has helped hundreds of municipalities through a variety of ways: education, litigation and ethical responsibility. Highly recommend the firm for all employment related questions for local government.
ANONYMOUS
Every municipal law question asked a well-researched opinion and best practice are given.
ANONYMOUS
Communication during an event is crucial and the Hartzog Law Group responded rapidly and reached out when they needed information. They are thoughtful to assist in giving insight if any thing is misunderstood. I give 100% vote as the best law firm I have worked with in my 11 years in Human Resources.
LEA MILLS
CITY OF KINSTON
Hartzog Law Group is one of the best I have worked with in my 20+ years of handling litigated claims. The lawyers are not only very knowledgeable in this area of the law, but they also work closely with our members in defense of their claims.
ANONYMOUS
I have known Dan Hartzog, Sr. for over 30 years, first personally and later professionally.  I have known and worked with Dan Hartzog, Jr. for over five years.  These lawyers are the prototype of what all good lawyers should strive to be.  They possess the innate intellectual and technical capabilities needed for such a nuanced area of the law, especially in law enforcement professional liability.  More importantly, though, they possess the highest degree of professionalism, civility, and zealous advocacy for their clients.  They are the rare breed of lawyer who will unflinchingly do what is right, and right for their client, with more allegiance to the client than to their financial or personal gain.
MONICA JACKSON
NORTH CAROLINA LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES
Hartzog Law Group are first class professionals.
ALLAN ROOT
NCHARRP (North Carolina Housing Authorities Risk Retention Pool)
It is always great to work with Hartzog Law Group in all areas of Insurance Defense.
KIMBERLY WRENN
NCHARRP (North Carolina Housing Authorities Risk Retention Pool)
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