John S. Hager, Esq., is the founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, P.A. and a highly respected criminal defense attorney with decades of courtroom experience throughout Florida. Originally from Spring Valley, New York, Mr. Hager began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University.
As a prosecutor, he handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies and tried hundreds of cases to verdict, gaining invaluable insight into how the State builds and litigates criminal cases. He later transitioned into complex civil litigation at one of Florida’s largest insurance defense firms before dedicating his practice exclusively to criminal defense, where he now leverages his prosecutorial background to strategically defend individuals facing criminal charges. Mr. Hager has earned the prestigious AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating available for legal ability and ethical standards, and has been selected to Super Lawyers, a distinction awarded to a limited percentage of attorneys who demonstrate excellence in practice and peer recognition.
He is admitted to practice before all Florida State Courts and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Hager is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Broward County Bar Association, the Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (where he has served as Board Member, Vice President from 2022–2023, and President in 2024), and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has also been appointed by the President of The Florida Bar to serve two terms on the Traffic Rules Committee and served three consecutive years on a Florida Bar Grievance Committee, a position reserved for attorneys who exemplify integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to ethical practice.
