In 2021, a company sought to open an asphalt plant in the Town of Angier. The scope of this project was far more complex than what town staff typically handle on a daily basis. The situation presented a significant challenge, not just because of its complexity but also due to the strong public opposition that quickly arose.
Hartzog Law Group represented the town. “There was a big outpouring of public opposition to the project,” said Dan Hartzog Jr., a partner at the firm. “We had to navigate a contentious public hearing, balance the legal rights of the developer, the needs of the Town, and the concerns of the citizens.”
As North Carolina continues to grow, many small towns are struggling with how to manage this growth while preserving the traditional small-town feel they have long cherished.
Hartzog Law Group, which spun off from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog five years ago, was established as a boutique firm focusing on municipal law, employment law and education law. The firm was founded by Katie Hartzog, Dan Hartzog Sr. and Dan Hartzog Jr.
“We have always recognized the need to work smarter, not harder,” partner Katie Hartzog said. “We wanted to be able to quickly pivot and try new things. We like being a small firm that handles big cases.”
Navigating Workforce Changes
Beyond the challenges of growth, the firm also assists employers of all sizes in navigating workforce changes, which have become increasingly complex due to evolving rules and regulations.
“We see ourselves as being a partner to our clients,” Katie said. “We talk with them on a regular basis and help them solve problems and avoid legal issues. Anytime our clients have an employment issue, I’m usually their first call.”
The changing workforce landscape, marked by an aging workforce and the departure of experienced employees adds another layer of complexity. “It’s difficult to replace those people, and when new people come in, they need to be trained on all the legal pitfalls and issues they will face,” Katie explained. “It is a continuous educational process given the constant changes in the law, and this is a significant service that we provide for our clients.”
As federal and state agencies frequently update employment rules and regulations, Hartzog Law Group offers essential guidance to help clients navigate difficult employment decisions and position themselves favorably in the event of litigation. Katie added, “We are always ready to litigate and fight for our clients in court, and we have had a lot of success in this arena.”
Checking All the Boxes
The firm’s approach to client relationships is another key aspect of its success. Rather than handling matters on an ad hoc basis, Hartzog Law Group focuses on building long-term partnerships. Dan Hartzog Jr. explained, “The focus these days is avoiding court and conflicts where possible, and that’s what we strive to do for our clients. It’s much better to have us involved on the front end and make sure that you’re checking all those boxes along the way, so you don’t have to explain why you did something the wrong way down the road.”
To achieve this, the firm regularly attends board hearings, consults with both managers and staff, and ensures that they see the big picture at the outset of any potential issue. “We look ahead at potential pitfalls and address those on the front end,” Dan noted.
Organic Growth
While the firm values its smaller size, it remains open to growth opportunities that align with its goals. “The plan is organic growth,” Dan shared. “For example, land use and zoning are big issues, and we would certainly be open to adding attorneys or staff that could help us fulfill that need. We’re always looking for opportunities to expand the services that we provide to our clients.”
