Hugh Peterson Headshot | Large 2023

Hugh Peterson III

Partner
  • (404) 962-3591
Download Resume hpeterson@balch.com
Education
  • Mercer University
    J.D., 1997
  • University of Georgia
    B.A., 1993
Bar Admissions
  • Georgia
About Hugh
I was born and raised in Georgia and have worked in Georgia my entire career.
Q&A
  • What previous experiences, prior to your work at Balch, influence your practice?

    As director of intergovernmental relations for Georgia Governor Roy E. Barnes, I served as the Governor's liaison to the White House, Congress, and Federal Agencies. I worked closely on the state and federal level to achieve objectives beneficial to Georgia. 

    I have also served on the board of directors of VNS Corporation, Vidalia, Georgia from 2000-2015 and NW Services Corporation, Ringgold, Georgia from 2004-2015.  

    Additionally, I served as corporate counsel for VNS Corporation, Vidalia, Georgia from 2000-2015. In this position I procured and managed outside counsel and advised the board on general legal issues.

  • What type of matters do you work on most often?
  • Which courts or agencies do you most often appear before on behalf of your clients?
  • What do you find most exciting about your work?

Select Matters

  • Multiple Wrongful death claims: Defended an international ocean carrier in multiple suits for wrongful death as a result of a trucking accident. The cases involved various complex legal and factual issues related to the application of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act and related Georgia law. Served as lead counsel for defendants and negotiated a favorable settlement after filing motions for summary judgment.    
  • Property damage action: Defended an electric utility company against flooding of a residence and received a favorable verdict in a jury trial. 
  • Personal injury action in Barrow County Superior Court: Represented an individual and electric utility and received a favorable verdict in a jury trial as a result of a motor vehicle accident. 
  • Monetary damages claim against an insurer: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia, Dublin Division; represented community bank and received a favorable settlement in an action related to employee fraud.
  • Personal injury action in Screven County Superior Court: Defended an individual and private utility contractor and received a favorable verdict in a jury trial as a result of a motor vehicle accident. 
  • Wrongful death claim: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia, Waycross Division, defended publicly traded corporation in a wrongful death action. Court granted Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment.

News

    Speaking Engagements

      Credentials

      Education
      • Mercer University, J.D., 1997
      • University of Georgia, B.A., 1993
      Bar Admissions
      • Georgia
      Professional Affiliations
      • VNS Corporation; Corporate General Counsel, 2003 - 2015; Board of Directors, 2000 - 2015
      • NW Services Corporation; Board of Directors, 2004 - 2015
      • Georgia Bankers Association, Bank Counsel Division
      Awards & Accolades
      • The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2024-present
      • Georgia Super Lawyers, Rising Stars
      Community Involvement
      • Richard B. Russell Foundation, University of Georgia, Chair of Board of Trustees
      • YMCA of Atlanta, Camp High Harbour Lake Burton, Board of Directors. 
      • Northside United Methodist Church, Atlanta
      • Leadership Georgia, Class of 2005
      Clerkships
      • Georgia Court of Appeals, Honorable Gary Andrews, 1997