Ryan Scates delivers institutional-level counsel to business owners, investors, and developers across coastal Georgia, drawing on a career that spans highly sophisticated investment, real estate, and business operations.
Most recently, Ryan co-founded and helped lead a healthcare real estate investment company that executed more than $200 million in acquisitions across four states, raising and managing over $75 million in investor equity. Before that, he practiced with a leading Atlanta real estate law firm, representing developers, lenders, and investors in sophisticated transactions and disputes.
Earlier in his career, Ryan served as in-house counsel and deputy operations lead for a family office in Atlanta with diverse holdings in healthcare, restaurants, and retail. In that role, he worked on matters ranging from SEC and FINRA regulatory issues, to CMS and healthcare compliance, to employment and litigation disputes, as well as financing initiatives involving both public and private investments.
Ryan earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he was elected Class President and, in his third year, Student Body President. While in law school, he also served as a fellow in Governor Nathan Deal’s office, contributing to criminal justice reform initiatives and advising on legal matters during legislative sessions.
Before law school, Ryan worked in publishing and political communications. He expanded an Athens-based publishing company’s football-season focus into year-round coverage of UGA sports, and he served as a speechwriter and communications staffer for successful statewide campaigns for Agriculture Commissioner and Secretary of State. His early work with the state party honed his skills in message development and strategic advocacy that continue to serve clients today.
Today, Ryan brings this full range of experience-political, operational, investment, and legal-to bear for clients who want institutional-level counsel with the sophistication and resources of a national law firm, delivered with the responsiveness of a local practice.
Outside of his legal practice, Ryan is the creator of Poor Man’s Game Notes, a long-running and widely followed publication for University of Georgia football fans. He is also an avid supporter of UGA athletics and enjoys playing golf.
Recognition
•University of Georgia Alumni Association’s 40 under 40 class of 2025
In the Press
HBS Brunswick Adds Of Counsel Ryan Scates
May 15, 2025
Hall Booth Smith, P.C. is pleased to welcome Ryan Scates as Of Counsel in our Brunswick office.
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respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
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