 Born in Tritenii de Jos, Transylvania (inside the Hungarian Kingdom in Austria-Hungary at the time), Haţieganu studied and practiced Law.He became a professor at the University of Cluj, and served as its rector in 1929-1930.Following World War I and the Aster Revolution in Hungary, he was present with PNR leaders at the Alba Iulia assembly that called for union with Romania, and served on the Directory Council designated by the participants.