Partner · Trial & Personal Injury
John P. Claeys
An Augusta native and University of Georgia Law graduate, John has spent his entire career in the courtroom on behalf of people who were hurt and had nowhere else to turn. Since 1979 he has limited his practice to civil litigation and has successfully handled thousands of cases, with a focus on personal injury, wrongful death and trucking matters.
About John
A trial lawyer's trial lawyer.
John grew up in Augusta and built both his life and his practice in the same community. He earned a bachelor's degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia in 1973, a Master of Business Administration in finance from UGA's Terry College of Business, and his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, all before being admitted to the bar in 1979.
Since then he has limited his practice to civil litigation and has successfully handled thousands of cases. The majority of his work is personal injury, including wrongful death and trucking cases, the kind of high-stakes matters where time in front of a jury makes all the difference.
Credentials
Education, admissions and trial roots.
Education
- University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, GA. J.D., 1979.
- University of Georgia, Terry College of Business, M.B.A. in Finance, 1979.
- University of Georgia, B.A., cum laude, 1973.
Bar Admissions
- Georgia, 1979
- Georgia Court of Appeals, 1979
- Georgia Supreme Court, 1979
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1982
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia, 1989
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, 1992
Trial roots
- Accepted into the Prosecutorial Clinic at UGA Law.
- Tried cases with the District Attorney's office under Georgia's Third Year Practice Act.
- Worked with the State Court Solicitor for Clarke County.
- Handled more than two dozen jury trials before he ever graduated.
Track record
The cases he takes.
Since his admission to the bar, John has devoted his practice to civil litigation and has successfully handled thousands of cases for the people of the CSRA. His work centers on the moments that change a family's life.
Honors & involvement
Respected at the bar, rooted in the community.
Honors & recognition
- Recipient of the Blue Key Award
- Recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Georgia
- Member, Association of Trial Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished peer rating, 2025
Community & civic life
- Member of the Rotary Club
- Board member and Past President, Boys & Girls Club of Augusta
- A lifelong Augusta resident, invested in the community that raised him
Beyond the courtroom
An Augusta kid who never forgot where he came from.
John was born and raised in Augusta, and he built his career in the same community he grew up in. That hometown loyalty shows up in how he treats the people he represents, like neighbors, because they are.
It also shows up in how he gives back. He has served for years on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta, including as its past president, helping local kids find a safer, brighter path, and he is an active member of the Rotary Club.
The rest of the team
John does not do it alone.
Talk to John today
Put a seasoned trial lawyer in your corner.
If you have been injured, or have lost someone you love, because of another's negligence, John offers a free consultation. We have offices in Augusta, Dublin and Statesboro, plus a mobile office, and we are available during regular hours and by appointment on evenings and weekends.
You focus on healing. Let us handle the fight.
Three convenient Georgia offices
Find the office nearest you.
Augusta, GA 30901
Dublin, GA 31021
Statesboro, GA 30458
Cannot get to us? We also bring a mobile office to you, and we are available evenings and weekends by appointment.
Questions?
Contact us for a free consultation today.
Tell us a little about what happened. We will reach out, in confidence, and help you understand your options and your rights.
Augusta
512 Telfair Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: 706-724-6000
Fax: 706-724-3363
Dublin
1205 Bellevue Place, Suite A
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: 478-275-8311
Fax: 478-275-8399
Statesboro
200 South Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
Phone: 912-764-7000
Fax: 912-489-7196
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Evenings & weekends by appointment. We accept most major credit cards.
Get help now
Tell us a little about what happened and we will reach out, in confidence. Use whichever way is easiest for you.
A text is the quickest way to reach us after hours, on weekends, or in an emergency. Your information stays confidential.
We serve clients throughout Augusta, Dublin, Statesboro and the surrounding CSRA. The information on this page is general and is not legal advice, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The firm also helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.