Hall Booth Smith Expands Alpharetta Team with Of Counsel Jesse Van Sant and Associate Derek Fernandes

Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) has added Of Counsel Jesse Van Sant and Associate Derek Fernandes to its Alpharetta office, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in general liability, health care, medical malpractice, transportation, and insurance defense litigation throughout Georgia.

“Jesse and Derek each bring a thoughtful approach to litigation and a strong commitment to the people they represent,” said Denise E. Weiner, a Partner in the firm’s Alpharetta office. “Their distinct backgrounds and perspectives will serve our clients well, and we are glad to have them as part of our growing team.”

Jesse Van Sant

Jesse focuses his practice on general liability, health care, and medical malpractice matters, representing businesses, insurers, health care providers, and other clients throughout all phases of litigation.

With nearly two decades of litigation experience, Jesse has handled complex cases involving medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, wrongful death, catastrophic personal injury, premises liability, governmental liability, commercial transportation, and general tort litigation.

He has extensive courtroom experience, regularly managing cases from initial investigation through trial, including conducting depositions, arguing dispositive motions, participating in mediations, and examining fact and expert witnesses. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts and has developed a reputation for providing practical legal strategies and strong advocacy.

In addition to his litigation practice, Jesse has presented at legal seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Georgia, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the Public Risk Management Association, and other professional organizations on topics including whistleblower litigation, law enforcement liability, governmental immunity, and nursing home litigation. He has also contributed to publications addressing issues in local government law. Jesse was recognized as a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2016 through 2018.

Jesse earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Brigham Young University.

Derek Fernandes

Derek Fernandes represents clients in general liability and transportation matters. His work includes legal research, drafting pleadings and briefs, case management, client counseling, and advocacy before courts and administrative tribunals.

Prior to joining HBS, Derek handled a range of immigration-related legal disputes, developing experience in litigation strategy, client service, and courtroom advocacy. He also served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Josh W. Thacker of the State Court of Spalding County, where he reviewed case materials and assisted with legal research, memoranda, and recommendations.

Before beginning his legal career, Derek served as a commissioned officer in the Brazilian Navy’s Special Operations Marine Battalion. He led teams and managed procurement, contracting, budgeting, and administrative operations in support of the battalion’s mission.

Derek earned his Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, graduating as valedictorian. During law school, he served as a Law Journal staff editor and participated in the Advocacy Board and Moot Court program. He earned his Bachelor of Naval Sciences from the Brazilian Naval Academy.

A native Portuguese speaker, Fernandes is fluent in Portuguese and has working proficiency in Spanish. He is admitted to practice in Georgia.

About Hall Booth Smith

Established in 1989, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS attorneys pride themselves on providing knowledgeable, proactive, client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The firm’s promise: “Serving to Achieve Excellence.” To learn more, please visit: www.hallboothsmith.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.