About J. David Hopkins Law LLC

Our work ethic is the same for each client and case. We work with the latest tools in legal technology, providing the same effective representation as larger firms, but at a far more reasonable cost: costs will never be inflated by overhead that does nothing to improve the quality of service.

We will work with clients on a fee schedule that best fits their needs and the services they require, whether billing by the hour, on a contingency basis or by some other alternative arrangement. We hope that this flexibility illustrates and underscores our dedication to, and investment in, creating a partnership with our clients and working towards outcomes that are truly best for them.

About David Hopkins

David Hopkins is the founding partner of J. David Hopkins Law, LLC, an Atlanta, Georgia based law firm specializing in commercial litigation and legal counsel for business persons and entities.

Prior to launching the firm, David served as a partner with the Atlanta office of international law firm Locke Lord, LLP and as an attorney with Kilpatrick Townsend, LLP. He began his career as a law clerk for The Honorable Harold L. Murphy of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and, before law school, as a legislative assistant and assistant press secretary for U.S. Senator Richard Bryan.

David is a member of the Georgia State Bar and admitted to practice in:

  • The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
  • The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
  • The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • The Supreme Court of Georgia
  • The Georgia Court of Appeals
  • All State and Superior Courts of Georgia

As an active practitioner of the field, David counts former membership on the State Bar’s Business Court Committee and prior service on its Committee on Judicial Procedures & Administration/Uniform Rules among his many professional affiliations and accomplishments. He is an active member of the American Bar Association and the Atlanta Bar Association. In addition to professional affiliations, David sits on the Board of Directors of The Children’s School in Atlanta and Kate’s Club, an organization providing support and counseling for grieving children. He is also an Honorary Board Member of the Atlanta Ballet, having previously served on the Board of Directors and as its Investment Committee Chair. David is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary School of Law.

David is one of a seemingly few both born and bred in Atlanta, GA, the place he still calls home. David is raising two teenage sons, and when not assisting clients or family, enjoys tennis, cooking and home renovation projects.


Professional Recognition

  • Georgia Super Lawyer 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 (Atlanta Magazine)
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
  • Top Rated Lawyer in Commercial Litigation (The American Lawyer and Corporate Counsel)
  • A.V. Peer Review Rating (Martindale-Hubbell)

Representative Experience

  • Kingdom Insurance Group v. United Healthcare Insurance Company, File No. 4:11-cv02103 (S.D. Tx. 2012) – On behalf of United Healthcare, secured dismissal of multi-million dollar fraud and breach of contract claims arising from Medicare Advantage brokerage relationship with United.
  • Friends of Piedmont Park v. The Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fulton County Superior Court, State of Georgia (2007). Obtained summary judgment for Atlanta Botanical Garden (“ABG”) in suit to “Stop the Deck” in Piedmont Park. Plaintiffs alleged ABG was subject to Open Records Act and constructing parking facility in violation of state statutory and constitutional law. Case subject of extensive coverage in various media, including the Atlanta Journal Constitution, National Public Radio and television news.
  • Securities and Exchange Commission v. Mutual Benefits Corporation, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (2005). In SEC initiated securities fraud action, secured release to investors of $100 million escrow fund seized by court-appointed receiver as asset of receivership estate.
  • Barry Hyde v. The City of Concord, N.C., State Court of North Carolina, Cabarrus County General Court of Justice (2005).  Obtained summary judgment for the city of Concord in its defense of $20,000,000 negligence claim filed by pilot for injuries sustained in airplane crash after lift-off from City airport.  Plaintiff pilot suffered severe brain damage, including loss of sight, smell and taste. Decision affirmed June 6, 2006 by North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Reported Decisions

  • Rumble v. Waterhouse, et al. 2007 WL 2506698 (M.D. Ga. 2007) – Secured dismissal of federal RICO class action arising out of allegedly fraudulent automobile insurance sales.
  • Curtis Investment v. Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank, et al. 2007 WL 4564133 (N.D. Ga. 2007) – Secured dismissal of federal RICO action arising out of IRS challenge to allegedly improper tax shelter.
  • General Star v. Elan Motorsports, et al. 356 F. Supp. 2d 1333 (N.D. Ga. 2004) – Secured grant of summary judgment to Plaintiff against parent of judgment debtor on basis that parent was legal successor to subsidiary.
  • Exeter Shipping v. Kilakos, et al. 310 F. Supp. 2d 1301 (N.D. Ga. 2004) – Secured dismissal of international commercial fraud claims on basis of lack of personal jurisdiction and the doctrine of forum non-conveniens.

Publications

  • American Bar Association’s RICO News – State RICO Claims Based On Federal Predicates May Be Removable To Federal Court Under Recent Eleventh Circuit Decision