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C. Vernon Hartline, Jr.

Partner

One of the founding partners in the firm’s Dallas office, Vernon remains actively involved in the daily practice of law and handles significant cases. His wide-ranging trial experience is highlighted by many successes in the automotive and tire industry, which have led to the firm’s representation of several major manufacturers on a regional and national basis. As a part of his continuing distinguished career, Vernon’s work in product liability litigation includes high-profile cases involving personal injury, negligence, tire and wheel claims, fire protection equipment and other issues. His expertise in product liability and toxic tort litigation has resulted in successful verdicts representing clients involved in massive plant explosions and other notable cases. Before co-founding the firm in 1994, Vernon was a partner at several major law firms in Texas.

Telephone: 214.346.3700
Fax: 214.267.4200
vhartline@hartlinebarger.com
8750 N. Central Expy.
Suite 1600
Dallas, Texas 75231

Curriculum Vitae

  • Education
    Baylor Law School, J.D. 1973
    • Order of the Barristers

    Baylor University, B.A. 1968
  • Bar & Court Admissions
    Texas
    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
    U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
    U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
    U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • Honors & Awards
    • Dallas "Lawyer of the Year" (Product Liability - Defense), The Best Lawyers in America® by Woodward/White, Inc. (2017)
    • Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell for High Ethical Standing (5.0/5.0)
    • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (Product Liability - Defense) by Woodward/White, Inc. (2008-2011, 2016-2020)
    • Who's Who Legal: Texas (Product Liability) by Law Business Research Ltd. (2007-2011)
    • Texas Super Lawyers® by Thompson Reuters (2005-2019)
    • Recognized as an ALM/Martindale-Hubble Top Rated Lawyer, Texas
  • Professional Affiliations & Activities
    • State Bar of Texas, Jury Service Committee Chairman, 1988-1989
    • Dallas Bar Association, Judiciary Committee Chairman, 1987
    • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
    • Texas Association of Defense Counsel
    • Defense Research Institute
    • Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
    • Fellow, Dallas Bar Foundation Charter Member
    • Baylor Law Alumni Association, President (1993-1994)
    • Senior Texas Editor: "Tort Law Desk Reference, A Fifty-State Compendium" and "Business Torts, A Fifty-State Guide" (both published annually by Aspen Publishers)

Areas of Practice

"A lawyer once complained ‘you act like it’s your money instead of your clients.’ I said, ‘That’s why they are my clients.’"

Diving into Adventure

From the Red Sea to the Caribbean, Vernon has traveled the world pursuing his passion for scuba diving, and he captures his underwater explorations with high-definition video cameras. His globetrotting hobby – along with frequent business trips – have made him an expert packer. “I can live out of a roller bag for a week”, he says. One of his secrets: “Brooks Brothers no-ironshirts. They always look good.”