Nick Kinsley, originally from Perry, Georgia, is an associate in the Tifton office of Hall Booth Smith. Nick’s practice is focused in the area of governmental liability and he works as an assistant county attorney for multiple counties in South Georgia. He has also represented counties, cities, and other governmental entities in defense of various claims.
He graduated magna cum laude from University of Georgia and was elected to membership in the Georgia Chapter of the Order of the Coif. While in law school, he worked as a summer law clerk for Martin Snow, LLP in Macon, Georgia, and as an extern for the Rollins, Inc. legal department. He served on the Editorial Board and as an Online Editor of the Georgia Law Review. In addition, he was also a Research Assistant for Professor Hillel Levin. Nick received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia. As a Sports Management major, Nick served as a high school football and tennis coach at Clarke Central High School in Athens.
Experience
General Liability
Nick has represented individuals and entities in a variety of general liability matters, such as premises liability and auto liability.
Governmental Liability
Nick’s practice is focused in two separate areas of governmental liability. He serves as general counsel by assisting with the representation of numerous counties, including Ben Hill, Jeff Davis, Tift, Coffee, Ware, and Berrien Counties. Nick has provided legal representation at numerous governmental meetings, including Board of Commissioners, Development Authorities, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Elections.
Nick has developed experience in a variety of subject matters involving local government, including but not limited to:
•Zoning and Land Use Planning
•Intergovernmental Agreements
•Open Meetings
•Open Records
•Employment Issues
•Human Resource Issues
•Real Property
•S.P.L.O.S.T. Law
•Local Ordinances
•Civil Rights
•Contract Law
•Code Enforcement
•Tax Appeals
•Eminent Domain
•Elections
Nick also represents governmental entities across the state of Georgia in defense of litigation claims, such as those brought under 42 U.S.C. 1983. Through this area of practice, Nick has become experienced in both the federal and state court systems in Georgia. This representation requires deep understanding of the various immunities provided to governmental entities and their officers and employees. Governmental liability litigation covers a broad spectrum - law enforcement uses of force, zoning and land use, First Amendment speech, transportation, and election disputes, just to name a few.
Labor & Employment
Nick assists with the representation of businesses and local governments in employment disputes including claims alleging discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and state torts such as negligent hiring and retention. Nick also helps advise clients on a wide variety of employment related matters concerning state and federal laws.
Publications
•Recent 7th Circuit Case Illustrates the Two Different Approaches to Deliberate Indifference
HBS Correctional Health Care Blog; October 27, 2016
In the Press
HBS Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Georgia Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists
February 16, 2026
HBS is excited to announce that nine attorneys have been recognized on the 2026 Georgia Super Lawyers & Rising Stars list.
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him
or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
