James E. Gilson

James E. “Jim” Gilson is a Partner who specializes in high-exposure trial litigation for catastrophic injury, premises liability, insurance, and transportation tort claims.

In a legal career spanning more than three decades, Jim has tried in excess of 100 cases to jury verdict and handled more than 40 appeals. He works with each client to understand their business goals and ensure that litigation strategy aligns with the broader business objectives of the company and its insurer to resolve claims effectively and efficiently.

Experience

Jim has more than 30 years of experience in defending individuals, companies, and their insurers in high-risk litigation including catastrophic injury, transportation, premises liability, product liability, and toxic tort cases. He has tried more than 100 cases to jury verdict and handled more than 40 appeals. He also works closely with clients in the transportation and industrial sectors including trucking and logistics companies, airlines, railroads, hotels, and mining operators.

General Liability

Jim works with clients across numerous industries to protect their rights and present a strategic defense in a wide variety of general liability complaints. He has tried more than 100 cases to jury verdict over the course of his 30-year career and has handled more than 40 appeals.

Premises Liability

Jim defends hotels, mining companies, railroads, trucking companies, and other businesses in a premises liability matters, personal injury, wrongful death, and related complaints.

Transportation

Jim represents trucking and logistics companies, railroads, airlines, and other transportation businesses, individuals, and their insurers in a wide range of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and vehicular accident litigation. He works closely with each client to develop litigation strategy that supports their broader business goals and effectively resolves matters.

Recognition

•Top Lawyers , Transportation Law, GaBiz Magazine, 2026
•AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
•Georgia Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers; 2004-2006, 2008-2018

In the Press

27 HBS Partners Recognized as 2026 Top Lawyers by GaBiz Magazine

January 29, 2026

Hall Booth Smith is pleased to announce that 27 of the firm’s partners have been recognized as 2026 “Top Lawyers” by GaBiz Magazine in its Winter issue.