Following his graduation from Wesleyan University, Duke Law School, and service in the U.S. Army, Hal moved to Jacksonville in 1973 where his practice has concentrated on the representation of corporations and financial institutions in complex transactions. For 15 years, he participated in each major acquisition by Florida's largest bank holding company. He has represented public and private companies in numerous public and private securities offerings, and currently represents two public companies.

For many years Hal served as the Managing Partner of the firm’s Jacksonville office. He now heads up the corporate practice in that office.

He is active in his community, having served for three years as head of the professional division of the United Way. He also represents and serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Jacksonville Symphony Association.