Meet John D. Hawkins
John D. Hawkins is the Founder and CEO of HawkLaw, where he has spent more than 30 years building a litigation-focused practice serving clients across South Carolina. Since launching the firm in 2002, he has led its growth with an emphasis on hands-on advocacy, strategic case development, and a client experience rooted in accountability and results.
John’s legal career began with a strong academic foundation. He earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he served on the Law Review and was a member of the Order of Wig and Robe. Early in his career, he gained valuable courtroom insight through clerkships with both the South Carolina Supreme Court and the South Carolina Circuit Court. That experience shaped a litigation practice spanning personal injury, car accident cases, workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, administrative law, and criminal matters.
In addition to his private practice work, John has an extensive background in public service. He represented South Carolinians for eight years in the State Senate and four years in the House of Representatives, experience that sharpened his understanding of how laws affect individuals and families beyond the courtroom. His service also includes 23 years in the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard, where he attained the rank of Major and served as a Judge Advocate General officer.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wofford College, John brings leadership experience from the military, government, and litigation into his role guiding HawkLaw’s attorneys and staff. Outside of work, he enjoys flying, cycling, reading, and spending time with his two daughters.