George J. Hazel is a partner in the Washington office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and a member of the firm’s Litigation and White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Groups. A former federal trial judge and criminal prosecutor, George brings a broad range of trial experience, having presided over approximately 50 jury trials in federal court and handled 20 jury trials and 30 bench trials as an attorney in federal and state court. Since his return to private practice, George has been named by The Best Lawyers in America® in their 2025 guide for Criminal Defense: White Collar. Additionally, Lawdragon has named him in both their 2024 list of "500 Leading Global Litigators" and their 2025 "500 Leading Litigators in America" guide.
Before joining Gibson Dunn, George had an 18-year career in public service, most recently serving for nearly nine years as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. After his nomination by President Obama, George was confirmed in 2014 by the Senate in a 95-0 vote. At the time of his swearing in, he was the youngest-sitting District Court judge at age 39.
During his time on the bench, George presided over all manner of criminal proceedings, including but not limited to prosecutions for wire and mail fraud, mortgage fraud, bribery, obstruction of justice, racketeering and drug trafficking. Similarly, he presided over and published opinions in a wide variety of civil litigation matters, including but not limited to employment litigation, Qui Tam / False Act Claims, intellectual property and Administrative Procedures Act claims. George also served as one of three Patent Pilot Judges assigned to handle an increased number of patent litigation matters.
From 2011 until his appointment to the bench, George served as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Maryland. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia from 2005 to 2008 and in the District of Maryland from 2008 to 2010, where he served as Southern Division coordinator for Project Safe Neighborhoods. George began his legal career as an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of a major law firm from 1999 to 2004.
George received his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, cum laude, in 1996, and his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1999, where he served on the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy.
George’s recent speaking engagements include:
- Podcast, “Motions Practice and Beyond,” Order in the Court with Paul W. Grimm, April 22, 2024
Capabilities
- Litigation
- Antitrust and Competition
- Class Actions
- Intellectual Property
- Labor and Employment
- Sports Law
- Trials
- White Collar Defense and Investigations
Credentials
Education:
- Georgetown University - 1999 Juris Doctor
- Morehouse College - 1996 Bachelor of Arts
Admissions:
- District of Columbia Bar
- Maryland Bar