Laymen often ask Mr. Hagler “What kind of law do you practice?” Although “commercial transactions” or “commercial litigation” or “probate litigation” would be an appropriate answer, a glazed look is the usual response. A more descriptive answer is “whatever legal service the client requires” and he has prided himself in doing that since 1979. Today it may be a heated dispute among family members over a multi-million estate. Tomorrow it may be a shopping center closing or a bond closing creating 500 new jobs for Augusta. Or it may be an incredibly complex contract for the sale of a business or some other venture that’s not in a form book. Mr. Hagler once read an entire 800 page forestry text book to prepare for a timber company lawsuit that he successfully defended through appeal to the Supreme Court of Georgia. He’s been to Connecticut to retrieve a client’s aunt suffering from Alzheimer’s disease – she was essentially being held prisoner for guardianship fees. In 2003 a client sought Mr. Hagler’s advice on a $250,000 loss in the stock market. After getting up to speed on securities law, over 125 clients defrauded by the same brokerage firm collected damages in excess of $28,000,000 due to his efforts. Partners, associates and other lawyers often consult with Mr. Hagler on matters outside their expertise. He has litigated complex matters in federal court, state court, probate court and bankruptcy court. In short, Mr. Hagler does whatever it takes to solve a client’s problems.

Specifically, Mr. Hagler handles commercial transactions including real estate closings, commercial litigation and probate litigation. He has assisted clients in the acquisition, sale, lease, development and financing of manufacturing facilities, hotels, shopping centers, distribution centers, supply houses, retail chain stores, apartment complexes and other commercial businesses and properties. He routinely negotiates and drafts buy/sell agreements, long-term commercial leases, multi-million dollar foreign and domestic supply agreements, confidentiality agreements, employment contracts and intergovernmental agreements. Mr. Hagler is a seasoned commercial litigator, with a broad range of experience including real estate litigation, stockbroker fraud, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights matters. He has expertise in corporate and business law, contracts and leases, contractual disputes, securities fraud, banking, and probate disputes. In January 2011, Mr. Hagler was appointed attorney for The Richmond County Development Authority, a governmental entity formed to create and retain jobs in Augusta through the use of Industrial Revenue Bonds and other financial tools.

Mr. Hagler is active in the Georgia Bar Association, having served on committees such as the Review Panel for the Ethics Committee. He also serves his community and church. He served as past chairman of the Golden Harvest Food Bank, an entity that distributes over 12 million pounds of food annually to the local needy. Currently he serves as lector in Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. He is also an avid sportsman having hunted big game in remote corners of the world. Mr. Hagler is married to Mary Louise Capers Hagler and has two children.

Representative Cases

Professional Memberships