Adam Marshall Hames | Atlanta Circuit, Post 36

Candidate Statement

I am running for Board of Governors because I care about the law and lawyers. Service to others has been a cornerstone of my practice as an attorney. As a sole practioner, I will bring a different perspective to the Board that is currently underrepresented. The Bar faces many challenges and needs good people that are willing to look at the issues earnestly. My broad background in the practice of law includes starting as an assistant attorney general before transitioning into private practice handling civil litigation and regulatory matters. Ultimately, I decided to open my own firm.

I opened my own firm so that I could engage in service to others and the Bar. I served as an arbitrator with the Bar’s Fee Arbitration Program. I have chaired the State Appellate Practice Seminar and served on the organizing committee for the Eleventh Circuit Practice Institute. During that time, I also helped coach a high school mock trial team. Those experiences led me to becoming an adjunct professor at Emory. I also found ways to serve my fellow lawyers by serving in leadership of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and the Board of Directors for the Federal Defender Program. Over the last few years, I have been a volunteer lawyer with AVLF’s Safe Families Office seeking TPOs for people hurt by another.

Post 36 has excellent candidates for the position. There is no wrong choice. I am asking for your vote because I will bring a different perspective to the Board. My life has been dedicated to the service of the law and others, and it is my hope that you will vote for me and allow me to continue to serve Atlanta, the Bar and the rule of law.

Education

• American University, B.A. Literature (1991); Semester at Sea (Fall 1989)
• Tulane School of Law (1998); Universita di Siena (Summer 1997)

Personal/Family

• I am married with two adult daughters. My personal interests include playing basketball, listening to music of all kinds, learning and cooking.
• At Tulane, I was the chief administrator of the Tulane Honor Board, recipient of the Gary Lawton Fretwell Award, Oustanding Graduate School Leader and on the Dean’s Advisory Committee.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• I am a sole practioner that concentrates in the areas of appellate practice and criminal defense. I began my career as an assistant attorney general in the Criminal Division where I represented the state in non-death penalty capital appeals and habeas corpus petitions in state and federal courts. Before starting my own firm, I was an associate at a small firm that represented governmental entities, small businesses and people in civil litigation.
• I currently serve as a special master appointed by the Supreme Court of Georgia to consider Bar disciplinary matters and appeals involving the Board to Determine Fitness.
• My past involvement in legal-related groups include being an arbitrator in the State Bar Fee Arbitration Program; president, Federal Defender Office Board of Directors 2022-23; former Advisory Committee member, Atlanta Legal Aid 2009-2013; performer, Atlanta Bar Association’s Bard Show 2016, 2018, 2024; coach, High School Mock Trial, The Paideia School 2008-2016; coach, “Hamestrung” Atlanta Bar Lawyers League.
• 2023 Safe Families Office Volunteer of the Year; 2014 Strike Force Soldier Award, GACDL; founding organizer, Eleventh Circuit Appellate Practice Institute.
• The Paideia School Alumni Advisory Committee; coach, Girl Soccer Peachtree Road United Methodist; Men of Atlanta Girls School 2016-18.

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

The rule of law is under attack. A central theme of the last decade has become that the rule of law is applied unequally to achieve a political result. If lawyers lack the courage and conviction to stand up for the rule of law, public confidence in the judicial system will continue to erode the entire judicial system.