Atlanta City Attorney Nina Hickson retires, former Fulton County Attorney Patrise Perkins-Hooker named as Interim

Atlanta City Attorney Nina Hickson is set to retire next month, concluding her tenure as the city’s top legal adviser since 2018. Hickson has accepted a new position in Maryland due to family reasons, as confirmed by the mayor’s office, after dedicating over two decades to serving Atlanta in various capacities.

Mayor Andre Dickens praised Hickson’s integrity and dedication to public service, emphasizing her advocacy for children, families, and ethical governance. Hickson’s retirement is scheduled for May 8th.

Patrise Perkins-Hooker, an accomplished attorney with nearly four decades of experience, was tapped to serve as interim City Attorney.  Perkins-Hooker, who had spent less than a year as Fulton County Election Board Chair, said she would step down to take on this new role for Atlanta. 

Expressing gratitude for her time in service, Hickson stated, “It has been my honor to serve the citizens of the city that has been my home for the past several years.” She expressed confidence in the Law Department team’s ability to maintain excellent service in advancing Atlanta’s interests.

Throughout her tenure, Hickson received accolades for her impactful work, including recognition from the Georgia First Amendment Foundation in 2018 for her efforts to enhance the city’s transparency practices. Additionally, she was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion, and Education Commission earlier this year, highlighting her commitment to combating human trafficking in the state. In 2023, she was honored with the Wellspring HOPE Award for her contributions to addressing this issue.

Perkins-Hooker, an Atlanta native, made history in 2014 as the first Black woman to serve as president of the State Bar of Georgia and later served as Fulton County’s attorney. Dickens expressed confidence in Perkins-Hooker’s capabilities, noting her extensive experience in municipal law and her esteemed reputation as a public servant. Perkins-Hooker expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to support the mayor’s administration in her new role.