George J. Hazel

George J. Hazel is a partner in Gibson Dunn’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Litigation and White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Groups. A former federal trial judge and criminal prosecutor, he brings extensive courtroom experience to white collar investigations, criminal defense, trials, and complex civil litigation. His practice draws on work from both the bench and government service to address high-stakes disputes and enforcement matters.

Hazel earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, cum laude, in 1996 and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999. At Georgetown, he served on the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy. His legal education preceded an 18-year public service career that included federal and state prosecution and nearly nine years as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland.

Hazel presided over approximately 50 federal jury trials and, as an attorney, handled about 20 jury trials and 30 bench trials in federal and state court. On the bench, his docket included fraud, bribery, racketeering, drug trafficking, employment, qui tam, intellectual property, and administrative law matters. Earlier, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney for Baltimore City.

George J. Hazel has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for Criminal Defense: White Collar and by Lawdragon for litigation. His experience as a judge, prosecutor, and private practitioner gives him a broad perspective on case strategy, evidence, courtroom procedure, and government investigations. He advises clients facing serious criminal and civil exposure while bringing practical judgment developed across multiple roles in the justice system.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Maryland

Education

• Georgetown University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Morehouse College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges