FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
614 South Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Fax: (954) 463-9244
614 South Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
1600 Steel Creek Rd.
Brevard, North Carolina 28712
Our Partner, Eric J Hager, was recently featured in Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s February Issue. His Q&A advertorial provides some insight into what sets him apart from other attorneys, his favorite cases to handle and more. Mr. Hager is based out of Conrad & Scherer’s Quito, Ecuador office where his practice primarily focuses on transnational litigation, appeals, commercial litigation, securities & financial regulatory litigation
Mr. Hager’s experience in complex litigation is varied. He has played key roles in diverse matters in a number of state and federal courts throughout the country and has managed multinational teams on difficult e-discovery and other discovery projects. Mr. Hager has represented a range of clients from the U.S. and abroad, including the former CEO of a publicly-traded company, small and mid-sized businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations. He has also led or participated in appeals in multiple state and federal courts.
What sets you apart from other lawyers that practice in your practice areas?
I have had the fortune of an atypical career path. After law school, I started out in a national law firm—which was common for my classmates. But about three years in, I received an offer to work in Conrad & Scherer’s office in Quito, Ecuador. I accepted it right away. In the twelve years that have gone by, I have primarily worked in civil litigation—but my experiences have been more varied than if I had stayed State-side. For instance, I’ve done significant work with an international component, such as representing Latin American clients engaged in litigation in U.S. courts. And I’ve had some unique experiences representing clients in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, such as trips to meet with clients in remote parts of those countries that could be quite an adventure. But all along the way, I’ve had the privilege of continuing to work on complex legal issues, such as collaborating on cutting-edge briefs in trial and appellate courts around the country. I think it’s that mix of experiences that really differentiates me from my peers
What is your favorite type of case to handle?
I like a challenge. I’m not the type of lawyer who likes to work on cookie-cutter cases. I prefer matters that involve novel or complicated legal issues. I enjoy diving into the law and facts to help the client sort out the best way forward. Some cases, from a purely legal standpoint, are easy. The law is clear and has been for decades. I like the cases where that’s not the case. It’s in those unique cases that I think we can bring the most value to a client’s case.
How do you help your clients in Ecuador?
One of my most frequent tasks with Ecuadorian clients is educating them on the U.S. legal system. Ecuador has a civil law system; the U.S., of course, has a common law system. So the average Ecuadorian has very little knowledge of how the law works in the U.S. And there are many misconceptions perpetuated by popular TV shows and movies involving the U.S. legal system that make their way to Ecuadorian audiences. Giving my clients basic facts concerning the realities of litigating in the U.S. is one of the most important things I have to do at the outset of many client relationships.
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