Deeply rooted in LaGrange, Indiana, Eric J. Hartz returned home in 2024 with his wife, Kristin, to raise their family and reimagine his father's established law practice. A 1997 graduate of Lakeland High School, Eric went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing from DePauw University in 2001.

Many locals no doubt recall Eric's five-year tenure as the sports editor of the Kendallville News-Sun from 2001 to 2006. Eric continued his journalism career in Indianapolis, and after a decade honing his skills as a journalist, he embraced a new challenge in 2008 at Indiana University's McKinney School of Law. Graduating in December 2010, he passed the Indiana Bar Exam in February 2011.

Eric's diverse legal experience began with work for solo attorneys in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, focusing on criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. In 2014, he shifted his focus to employment law, joining John H. Haskin & Associates. He later brought his expertise to Cleveland Lehner Cassidy LLC, serving as an associate attorney for five years before returning to LaGrange.

Throughout his career, Eric has built a strong courtroom presence, litigating extensively in both state and federal courts across Indiana. A seasoned trial attorney, he has tackled civil and criminal cases at both the state and federal levels. An accomplished legal writer, Eric is equally at home in front of the keyboard and in the courtroom. Eric has also argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago and successfully authored appeals in state and federal courts.

Eric is driven by a desire to serve the community that nurtured him, and is committed to being a cornerstone of LaGrange's legal landscape. Beyond the courtroom, Eric cherishes his time with his young children. An avid reader, he also enjoys Indiana's natural beauty, playing and listening to music, and hitting the golf course.

A fixture of the local legal scene for decades, Fredrick J. Hartz laid the foundation for Hartz Law Office. After graduating from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington and passing the Indiana Bar Exam, Fred moved to LaGrange in 1974 to work for a local bank as a trust officer. In 1978, Fred established his own practice, bringing legal expertise to the community. The firm has proudly served LaGrange County from its convenient location at 207 W. Michigan St. since 1984.

Known for his trusted guidance and courtroom prowess, Fred has served LaGrange County in multiple capacities. He held the position of chief public defender and later served as a deputy prosecutor from 2000 to 2014. In an "of counsel" role, Fred's decades of experience and vast knowledge of the legal system and local history will continue to be a driving force for the firm's future. Clients can expect the same level of dedication and expertise they've come to know from Hartz Law Office, delivered by a team committed to upholding Fred's legacy of excellence.

Call the office at 260-463-7461 to book an appointment with Fred.