John Hadden has litigated across the state of Georgia in state and federal trial courts, as well as in cases before the Georgia and United States Supreme Courts and Court of Appeals. He has obtained settlements, judgments, and successful appeals of more than $60 million over his career.

An honors graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served as editor of the Georgia Law Review, John earned his undergraduate degree from Emory University with a double major in History and Environmental Studies.

Trial Lawyer

John has handled hundreds of cases cases across the state of Georgia. He has practiced in numerous counties across the state, as well as in all federal districts in Georgia (Northern, Middle, and Southern). In addition to trying and litigating cases from start to finish, John is often brought in to assist other attorneys with cases that are going to trial due to his knowledge of civil practice and evidence rules.

John handles a variety of cases, but with a general emphasis on torts – that is, civil wrongs – generally involving personal injury or wrongful death, but sometimes involving business disputes. He has significant experience in cases involving premises liability (injuries caused by dangerous conditions on someone’s property); auto collisions, including wrecks involving tractor trailers or other commercial vehicles; product liability claims; and mass torts.

Aside from representing parties, since 2011, John has been a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.

Appellate Lawyer

Early in his career, John developed an interest in appellate practice – cases that are appealed to a state or federal appeals court – which has become a large part of his practice. He has been involved in well over 100 appellate matters as counsel or amicus counsel. He is admitted to, and has handled cases in, the Georgia Court of Appeals, Georgia Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He has also successfully argued before the Florida Court of Appeal (1st District) after being admitted pro hac vice.

Author and Lecturer

John is also the author of two leading Georgia legal treatises: Georgia Law of Torts – Trial Preparation and Practice, and Green’s Georgia Law of Evidence, both published by Thomson Reuters Westlaw, one of the nation’s leading publishers of legal books relied upon by lawyers and judges. He also co-authored the evidence chapter of the Thomson Reuters treatise Handling Motor Vehicle Accident Cases (2nd Edition). In addition, John has published articles in various legal publications regarding evidence and civil practice matters.

Aside from published works, John has also chaired or served as a speaker at dozens of continuing legal education seminars and has guest lectured at law schools.

Involvement in the Legal Community

John has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Bar Association, and is a past Chair of the Atlanta Bar’s Litigation Section, the largest section of the Bar. He has also been a member of the Board of the Atlanta Bar’s Solo Practice and Small Firm section as well as the Lawyer Referral and Information Service, where he is Vice Chair.

In addition, he is a past member of the Executive Committee of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, serving as chair of the Amicus Curiae Committee, and past chair of the State Bar of Georgia Litigation Committee for the Young Lawyers Division. He has also served on the Amicus Curiae Committee of the American Association for Justice. He is currently Chair of the Atlanta Trial Lawyers Association.