On December 6, 2024, Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker concluded her final board meeting as a member of the Board of Directors for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, marking the end of a decade of dedicated service. Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Perkins-Hooker made lasting contributions to the growth and success of AJMLS. We extend our deepest gratitude for her leadership, commitment, and invaluable service.
A Distinguished Career in Law and Service
Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker is currently serving as the Interim City Attorney for Atlanta, Georgia. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the city. Prior to this, she served as the County Attorney for Fulton County, Georgia, where she led a team of over 30 professionals, advising seven county commissioners and more than 40 departments. Mrs. Perkins-Hooker has also served as Vice President and General Counsel for the Atlanta BeltLine Inc. for six years and was the Administrative Partner at Johnson & Freeman, LLC, where she rejoined after her time with Fulton County.
She has an extensive background in private practice, having served as a partner at Hollowell, Foster & Gepp, PC, where she oversaw the Commercial Real Estate Group. Additionally, she was the Managing Partner of Johnson, Freeman & Perkins-Hooker and owned her own law firm for over a decade.
Leadership Beyond the Boardroom
Mrs. Perkins-Hooker has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, both in the legal field and within her community. She made history as the 52nd President of the State Bar of Georgia, becoming the first person of color to hold this prestigious position. She has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Governors and as a member of the Executive Committee of the State Bar.
Her leadership extends to many other organizations. She has chaired the City of Atlanta’s Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Emory Business School Alumni Association. She currently serves as the Chair of the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Board and has also served as chair of the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar.
A Legacy of Excellence and Community Engagement
Mrs. Perkins-Hooker has received numerous accolades for her outstanding service to the legal profession and her commitment to public service. These include induction into the Gate City Bar Association’s Hall of Fame, the Leah Ward Sears Service to the Profession Award from the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, an honorary degree from AJMLS, and the Eleonoré Raoul Greene Trailblazer Award from Emory University Law School.
Her contributions have also earned her recognition such as the George A. Pindar Award for Lifetime Service to the Real Property Profession, and the Randolph Thrower Lifetime Achievement Award from the State Bar of Georgia’s Commitment to Equality Committee. She was named one of the 500 Most Powerful Leaders in Atlanta’s Government and Politics arena by Atlanta Magazine (2021-2024) and recognized for running one of Georgia’s top in-house law firms by the Fulton County Daily Report in 2019.
Looking Ahead
Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker’s career is marked by a legacy of excellence, leadership, and commitment to service. AJMLS is deeply grateful for her contributions over the past decade and wishes her continued success in all her future endeavors.
Mrs. Perkins-Hooker is happily married to Douglas R. Hooker, and they are the proud parents of two children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.