J.R. Hanks is an experienced trial lawyer who has represented hundreds of clients in both state and federal courts. His legal ability and ethical standards have been rated "AV," the highest rating afforded to lawyers by their peers.

J.R.'s primary area of practice is the defense of companies and individuals in a wide range of litigation including premises liability, construction defects, environmental torts, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, negligent security, mold infestation, false imprisonment, tainted food, and defamation.

J.R. is frequently called upon to provide guidance to insurance carriers on a wide range of issues involving coverage, and has represented carriers in declaratory judgment actions. In addition to his defense practice, he also represents companies in commercial matters involving contractual disputes, employment disputes, and collections.

J.R. has tried cases at every level of trial court in the State of Georgia as well as the U.S. District Court. He has also argued cases in the Georgia appellate courts and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National Defense Research Institute and the State Bar of Georgia.

J.R. graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1990 and received his bachelor's degree from the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee in 1984. He and his wife Mary are the parents of two children, Cole and Anna Carr, and serve on various committees at St. Philip's Cathedral and at their children's schools. J.R. also coaches Little League baseball at Northside Youth Organization.