Hal Harlowe – Hurley Burish, S.C.

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f 608.257.5764

As a former three-term District Attorney in Dane County, Hal Harlowe’s familiarity with the complex operations of our legal system gives him an invaluable advantage in defending clients. His trial experience includes representing defendants in juvenile and criminal defense cases, defending licensed professionals in disciplinary matters, and litigating civil matters such as personal injury, contract disputes, real estate and guardianship cases. Having led countless investigations himself, Harlowe has a first- hand understanding of how investigations are conducted and how to defend against them. He has handled civil and criminal cases in state and federal courts ranging from basic matters to extremely complex litigation, as well as high profile cases where confidentiality is vital. A significant part of Harlowe’s practice is in representing licensed professionals in all facets of their practice including negotiating employment contracts, responding to state and federal regulatory inquiries, and defending against ethics allegations and criminal prosecutions in both state and federal court.

As D.A., he earned a reputation for being an effective and fair prosecutor, who was willing to take on tough cases. He brought needed reorganization to the office and the court system, and instituted a nationally recognized program for addressing the problems of domestic violence against women and children. Prior to his term as D.A., Harlowe served as Assistant Attorney General in the State Department of Justice Criminal Trials Unit. There he supervised investigations, conducted grand juries and John Does, and prosecuted criminal matters of statewide importance including organized crime activities, homicide, tax evasion and white-collar crime.

Practice Areas
White Collar Defense
Criminal Defense – State and Federal
Victim Advocacy
Professional Licensing and Discipline
Civil Litigation

Bar Admissions
Wisconsin
U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin

Education
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, J.D.

Professional Associations & Memberships
Western District Bar Association
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
State Bar of Wisconsin

Awards and Recognition

Madison Lawyer of the Year – Criminal Defense:White Collar, Best Lawyers in
America (2024, 2022)
Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (2020 Inductee) (Limited for 1% of Attorney Nationally)
National Association of Distinguished Counsel (Top 1%), Member (2015)
Top 10 Wisconsin Criminal Defense Attorneys, National Academy of Criminal
Defense Attorneys, Inc. (2014-2015)
Member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America®, Criminal Defense – White Collar; Criminal Defense –
Non-White Collar
Wisconsin Super Lawyers®, Criminal Defense
Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell®
Named a “Top Lawyer” by Madison Magazine
Included in Leading American Attorney’s Guide
Recognition by the National Women Political Caucus of Wisconsin, the American Indian Peace and Justice League, the National Association of Counties, and the National Police Foundation.