A Successful Career: Judge Paul Hawkes

Judge Paul Hawkes has had an extremely successful and interesting career. From spending more than 25 years in the Florida Bar to having a long and productive career in politics, Judge Paul Hawkes has experienced life as a lawyer, a judge, and an individual who was appointed to powerful positions by none other than Gov. Jeb Bush.

Judge Paul Hawkes began his career with an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of South Florida. After matriculating cum laude in 1983, he went on to gain his Juris Doctorate in 1985 from the Florida State University College of Law. Here, he graduated with honors and also served as research editor on the Florida State Law Review.

Judge Paul Hawkes has a distinguished career in public service. He was a member of the Florida House of Representatives, elected from District 26 and serving from 1990 until 1994. In addition to this, he helped implememt efficiency measures for Gov. Jeb Bush, serving as the governor's first 'efficiency czar.' He was appointed to the First District Court of Appeal where he served as a judge from 2003 until 2012. During this time he was elected by the other judges on his court to be Chief Judge, and has the distinction of being the youngest judge on the First DCA to be elected to this office. Judge Paul Hawkes held the position of Chief Judge from 2007 until 2009.

Currently, Judge Paul Hawkes works as a lobbyist, lobbying both the legislative and executive branches of Florida government. His extensive experience in the courtroom and also as a legislator have given him a long and distinguished career full of accolades and service.