Hugh Peterson | Litigation | Balch & Bingham LLP

Education

Bar Admissions

I was born and raised in Georgia and have worked in Georgia my entire career.

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?

I work on all types of litigation. Frequently, these matters involve defending public utilities, other private corporations, and individuals against personal injury and property damage claims. I also represent clients involved in business and estate disputes.
Which courts or agencies do you most often appear before on behalf of your clients?

I most often appear in state and federal courts in Georgia.
What do you find most exciting about your work?

I enjoy trying cases before a judge or jury.

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 Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

Education

Bar Admissions

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, Board of Directors, 2005 – present

Awards & Accolades

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.
Georgia Wildlife Federation, Board of Directors
Northside United Methodist Church, Atlanta
Leadership Georgia, Class of 2005

Clerkships