Jimmie B. Hicks, Jr., was born in New Bern, North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina State University, where he obtained his B.Sc. in Computer Science. He then obtained his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During undergraduate and graduate studies, he worked part-time as a Supplemental General Programmer for I.B.M. in the Research Triangle Park, NC.
After a 27-year career in North Carolina, primarily in the field of local government law, Mr. Hicks went on a multi-year professional and educational break abroad. During that time, he obtained his M.B.A. from Imperial College Business School in London, U.K., and pursued further courses of study at other educational institutions including the London School of Economics and Politics. Having now fully returned to the U.S., he has relocated to the Florida Keys.
Mr. Hicks’ practice is concentrated in City, County and Local Government Law. While in North Carolina, he served as the County Attorney for three counties, the Town Attorney for seven towns, and as general counsel for other local government entities including governmental Authorities and Districts.
His service to local governments is comprehensive, providing legal advice and counsel on virtually all legal matters touching upon this practice area. Matters include board representation, eminent domain, property tax appeals, ordinance and resolution drafting, ordinance enforcement, land use and planning, public finance, public construction and real estate, ethics, Sunshine Laws and public records, and economic development.
Mr. Hicks has previously served on numerous boards, including the Wells Fargo Regional Advisory Board, the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce (past Chairman), the UNC School of Government Foundation Board of Trustees, the United Methodist Church-New Bern District Board of Trustees (past Chairman), the Craven County Committee of 100, and the Swiss Bear Downtown Redevelopment Board.
Mr. Hicks believes that the most rewarding aspect of working in local government law is the opportunity and ability to serve his community, and those that live and work therein. Outside of work, Mr. Hicks will most likely be found on a boat, beach, paddleboard or airplane.