Nicholas J. Garcia is a Partner in our Columbus office, with a growing practice focused on bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. He also specializes in labor and employment, education, government liability, and property tax appeal litigation.
Before joining Hall Booth Smith, Nick was a law clerk to the Honorable John T. Laney III, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Together they co-authored bankruptcy articles published in the Mercer Law Review. Nick earned a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University.
During law school, he served as the Editor in Chief for the Mercer Law Review. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalismfrom the University of Georgia. He is admitted to practice in both Georgia and Alabama.
Experience
Bankruptcy Creditors' Rights
Nick has experience representing and advising corporate creditors in consumer and corporate bankruptcy cases filed under Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Nick is well-versed in the challenge faced by creditors hailed into bankruptcy court and the process necessary to protect creditors’ interests.
Business Litigation
Nick assists both individuals and business in litigation involving contractual claims and representing contractor and subcontractors in construction matters.
Governmental Liability
Nick represents local municipalities and government entities in employment matters and ad valorem tax matters.
Education
Nick has handled legal matters experienced by the Muscogee County School District and other local school districts. His representation of school districts has included defending school districts in EEOC matters and litigation arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as well as claims arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
He has also assisted in the training of school district employees on school district policies and federal law pertaining to racial harassment, sexual harassment, and non-discriminatory employment and education practices.
Insurance Coverage
Nick has represented insurance providers and their insureds in both first party and third party actions. His experience ranges from automobile coverage to commercial coverage in areas such as personal injury, premises liability, and bad faith.
Labor & Employment
In addition to his representation of school districts in employment matters, Nick assists private companies and government entities through general advisement on employment matters, defense and resolution of claims brought by current and former employees, and training employees of all levels on best practices in the workplace with the goal of preventing occurrences that could subject the client to liability.
Recognition
•Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Best Lawyers, 2021-2026
•Awarded in: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Education Law, Labor and Employment Law - Management
•Georgia Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2024
Presentations
•Case Update Chapter 7
19th Annual Middle District of Georgia Bankruptcy Law Institute, September 2016
Publications
•US Supreme Court Holds That Title VII Protects Homosexual And Transgender Employees
HBS Employment Updates Blog; June 23, 2020
•What Should Employers Do When Employees Refuse To Return To Work For Fear Of COVID-19?
HBS Employment Updates Blog; May 8, 2020
•Bankruptcy
Mercer Law Review, July 2017
•Bankruptcy
Mercer Law Review, July 2016
•Can We Keep a Secret?: The Attorney-Client Privilege and Work-Product Doctrine in the Internal Law-Firm Setting-St. Simons Waterfront, LLC v. Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, PC.
Mercer Law Review, March 2014
In the Press
HBS Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Georgia Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists
February 28, 2025
HBS is excited to announce that nine attorneys have been recognized on the 2025 Georgia Super Lawyers & Rising Stars list
