Nathaniel Haugabrook

Haugabrook and Associates 

Managing Partner

Nathaniel Haugabrook, II is a partner in the firm of Copeland, Haugabrook & Walker. In 1987, Mr. Haugabrook graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.  He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Georgia Law School in 1990. While at the University of Georgia Law School, he received the Regent’s Opportunity Scholarship. As a third-year law student, he began trying criminal cases with the Clarke County Public Defender’s Office under the supervision of his professor.

Upon graduating from law school, Mr. Haugabrook decided to return to South Georgia where he believed he could make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged and unrepresented. After speaking with the attorneys at Copeland & Thomas and be assured that he could start trying cases without delay, he chose to matriculate to Lowndes County to begin his legal career. Shortly thereafter, he began trying juvenile and other criminal cases and was introduced to personal injury cases. As a result of his zealous representation of his clients, trial skills and negotiating prowess, the partners encouraged Mr. Haugabrook to accept the position of junior partner after eighteen months; he did and six months later, the firm was renamed – Copeland, Thomas & Haugabrook. During his career, his clients have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. In 2005, one of Haugabrook’s entertainment clients convinced him to negotiate several contracts in Jacksonville, Florida for Super Bowl XXXIX. This opportunity led to his client base expanding to high profile entertainers and athletes and opportunities to attend high profile sporting events with A-List entertainers. He has also represented public officials, handled police brutality (or violation of civil rights) cases, multiple party plaintiffs’ cases and tried numerous civil and criminal cases. One of the most highly publicized cases handled by Mr. Haugabrook was Antonio Smith versus City of Valdosta, Georgia where a police officer covertly placed Mr. Smith in a bear hug and threw him to the ground breaking his wrist. This case was captured by several major news networks and Haugabrook appeared on CNN. He has also represented litigants in employment discrimination and medical malpractice suits.  His practice includes the representation of clients in federal and state courts throughout Georgia and in approximately a dozen other states.

Mr. Haugabrook has received numerous awards and commendations as a lawyer.  He has been named in the National Registry of Who’s Who, Marquis' Who's Who in American Law, and the 2017 National Trial Lawyers. His skills as a trial lawyer have been recognized by favorable jury verdicts and dismissals of criminal cases prior to trial, and local groups have recognized him as a leader in the community. In 2007, he received the Community Service Award by 100 Black Men of Valdosta. He was also named “Man of the Year” by Macedonia Baptist Church. Presently, Mr. Haugabrook is working on two articles anticipated for publication in two legal publications in Georgia.

 His commitment to community service in South Georgia is noteworthy. He was the inaugural vice-president of 100 Black Men of Valdosta and the second president of the Chapter (1997-1999). In 2007, he served as vice-president for eight years and in 2015-2024, he served as president for a second term. In 2009, he was appointed to serve as Chairperson of the Dollar & $ense Competition – a financial literacy program for high school students who compete from across the country – for 100 Black Men of America. He continues to hold this position. He also serves on the Board of Directors of 100 Black Men of America. Under his leadership, the local Chapter began a long run of awards from the National Office. The Valdosta Chapter received the Chapter of the Year Award in 1997 and 1998 and its Challenge Bowl Team captured first place at the 2009 and 2012 National Conventions in New York City and Baton Rouge; placed second in 2004 and 2005; and third in 2006. The Valdosta Chapter also created a Scholarship Endowment Fund which has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to local youth who desire to continue their education beyond high school. 

Mr. Haugabrook has served on numerous charitable boards. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Copeland Museum (Valdosta State University) and 100 Black Men of America. He previously served on the board for Professional Football Players Mothers Association (2012-2017), Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority (2010-2017), South Georgia Partnership to End Homelessness and Literacy Volunteer Program of Valdosta, Inc.  

In addition to the above, Haugabrook is a certified scuba diver and life guard and enjoys reading, horseback riding and golf.