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Jerald "JR" Hanks
Biography
With more than three decades of legal experience, J.R. Hanks brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to his role as a neutral. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has handled more than 1,000 lawsuits across Georgia and the Southeast, representing both companies and individuals in complex, high-stakes litigation. His practice has encompassed a wide range of matters, including wrongful death, catastrophic injury, negligent security, premises liability, product liability, construction defects, environmental torts, insurance coverage disputes, and intellectual property claims, among others.
Notably, J.R. has tried cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants before juries in state and federal courts throughout Georgia—a dual perspective that informs his balanced and impartial approach to dispute resolution. He also has substantial experience representing parties in arbitration and has successfully argued appeals before the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Mississippi.
Clients rely on J.R.’s strategic insight and courtroom experience, from Fortune 500 corporations to small businesses and individuals. He currently serves as regional tender counsel for one of the nation’s thirty largest companies and has proudly represented the State of Georgia as a Special Assistant Attorney General.
Beyond his legal work, J.R. is deeply committed to community engagement. He serves as vice-chair of the Board of Trustees for Camp Merrie-Woode in North Carolina and actively supports organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta, Emmaus House, and the Atlanta Youth Academy. He and his wife, Mary, are the proud parents of two adult children.
J.R. joined Henning Mediation in 2025.
Education
- Sewanee: The University of the South, B.A. (1984)
- University of Georgia School of Law, Moot Court Board, Mock Trial Board (1990)
Professional Experience
- Hanks Law Group, LLC (2019 - Present)
- Hanks Brookes, LLC (2005 - 2019)
- Finley & Buckley, P.C. (1997 - 2005)
- Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP (1995 - 1997)
- Davis, Pickren, Seydel & Sneed, LLP (1990 - 1995)
Court Admissions
- State Bar of Georgia
- Supreme Court of Georgia
- Georgia Court Of Appeals
- United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- United States District Court, Middle District of Georgia
- United States District Court, Southern District of Georgia
Honors and Awards
- AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
- Lawyers Of Distinction
Mediation and Arbitration Training
- Henning Mediation and Arbitration Service, Inc.
Areas of Expertise
- Serious Personal Injury
- Wrongful Death
- Negligent Security
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Construction Defects
- Insurance Coverage
- Nursing Home Liability
- Commercial Disputes