Hayden Headley Hooks

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Hayden Hooks received her Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, from Auburn University in 2007, with minors in History and Political Science. While at Auburn, Hayden was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States. She then attended the University of Georgia School of Law where she received a Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 2010.

Hayden has served as County Attorney for Sumter County since 2022. She has extensive experience serving as general counsel for counties, cities, boards of education, and other governmental entities. She also serves these entities and private businesses as defense counsel in employment matters, contract disputes, and civil rights claims.

Hayden has previously practiced education law at Thompson, Sweeny, Kinsinger & Pereira, where she represented the largest school district in Georgia. Prior to joining Arnold & Hooks in 2022, Hayden was a partner with the Albany law firm of Perry & Walters, LLP, where she represented over 30 government entities, including cities, counties and development authorities.

Hayden is an experienced real estate and land use attorney. She regularly handles real estate closings for local and national lenders. Additionally, she handles zoning and code enforcement matters for her local government clients. Hayden is a title agent for First American Title Insurance Company.

Hayden and her husband, Bardin, are grateful to live in Americus and Sumter County, where eight generations of the Hooks family have lived. They are active members of Calvary Episcopal Church, as well as many local civic and volunteer organizations. Hayden and Bardin are the proud parents of a son, George (age 5), their beloved cocker spaniel, Lettie, and their new rescue kitten, Snuggles.

Specializations

• Local Government Law
• Education Law
• Employment Law
• Real Estate
• Corporate, Small Business, & Contracts