Former Judge Paul Hawkes: Blessed with Opportunity

Former Judge Paul Hawkes understands how blessed he is to have had the opportunity to serve in public office. An admirer of Jeb Bush and of Governor Bush’s personal commitment to public service, former Judge Paul Hawkes has, time and again, had the opportunity to serve in important public service positions; positions that have allowed him to serve his state, his governor and his constituents with the utmost in honor and integrity.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes career in politics, and in the law, began shortly after graduating With Honors from the Florida State University Law School. He enthusiastically served Florida as an Assistant State Attorney, in 1990 he was elected to serve in the Florida State Legislature. As a member of the Florida House, former Judge Paul Hawkes was honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of Citrus, Marion and Hernando counties, and served as a passionate and committed state legislator until 1994. His legislative tenure included service on several House committees, including the Health Care, Commerce and Public Schools and Governmental Operations committees. 

Shortly after former Judge Paul Hawkes term of service in the Florida State Legislature ended, he was honored to have the opportunity to serve as Special Counsel to the first Republican State House Speaker in over 122 years. As an advisor to Speaker Daniel Webster, former Judge Paul Hawkes helped to draft new rules for the Florida House, advised on referral recommendations for all pieces of filed legislation, and oversaw many important special projects. He enjoyed service in a similar capacity again in 2001, serving as Chief of Policy for House Speaker Tom Feeney.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes Proud of His Academic Successes

As a graduate of both Florida State University and the University of South Florida, former Judge Paul Hawkes understands the necessity of a quality college education, particularly as it applies to a successful career in the political arena. Former Judge Paul Hawkes enjoyed a high level of success at the university level, and was able to transition his academic accomplishments into the development of a lengthy public service career.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes began his academic career at the University of South Florida, participating in a rigorous and challenging political science program that helped to shape his love for and devotion to public service. Former Judge Paul Hawkes graduated from USF in 1983, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and earning the Cum Laude distinction. The USF Political Science program provided him with the knowledge and tools necessary to become a successful student at Florida State University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1985. Former Judge Paul Hawkes graduated from FSU with Honors, and had served as the Research Editor of the Florida State University Law Review during his student tenure.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes has successfully applied the education he received at both FSU and at USF to the development and sustainment of a lengthy public service career. As a former state legislator, judge and political appointee, former Judge Paul Hawkes has consistently been a true credit to the institution of state government. He has consistently earned the respect and the admiration of his colleagues in both the legal profession and within state offices.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes: Serving the State of Florida with Distinction

Former Judge Paul Hawkes has enjoyed an extensive and successful career as an official in the Florida State Government. As a former legislator in the Florida House of Representatives, former Judge Paul Hawkes served Districts 26 and 43 admirably and with distinction between 1990 and 1994. 

Former Judge Paul Hawkes understands the political process, as well as how to get things done in government at the state level. He was honored to have had the opportunity to serve his district, and to represent the interests of his constituents, for more than four years. Former Judge Paul Hawkes is passionate about public service because it has afforded him multiple opportunities to have a positive impact on both the government and the people of the State of Florida.

With experience in all three branches of Florida state government, former Judge Paul Hawkes has consistently striven to make a difference for the people of Florida. Though his term of public service began in the state legislature, he has also served on the bench and in the Governor’s office, providing state government leadership with an unparalleled devotion to fairness and efficiency. Former Judge Paul Hawkes served with distinction on the Florida District Court of Appeal from 2003 to 2012, and was the Court’s Chief Judge from 2007-2009. He also worked in the Jeb Bush administration in the governor’s Office of Policy & Budget, and even served as Governor Bush’s Efficiency Czar. 

Former Judge Paul Hawkes has an admirable record of devoted public service, and is proud to have had so many opportunities to represent and serve the citizens of the State of Florida.

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.

Judge Paul Hawkes: Making History

Judge Paul Hawkes has his career in law and politics, and many of the things that he has done and experienced are notable both form a Floridia history perspective and, perhaps even an  American historical perspective.

1996 was a historic year for the Republican party in Florida. This is because 1996 was the first year that Republicans became the majority party in the House of Representatives since 1874. With the Florida Senate having become majority Republican two years previously, Republicans controled the Florida legislature. Acting on this new opportuntiy to set policy, Republican legislators got down to work. Future judge, Paul Hawkes had the chance to work with them. Judge Paul Hawkes was able to serve as Special Counsel to Speaker of the House Daniel Webster. One of the first steps the new majority took, was to draft new Rules for the Florida House. Paul Hawkes served as the primary drafter of the new Rules that were designed to cut House beauracracy, level out power centers, and prioritize the House’s time.

But even though he would eventually become a judge, Paul Hawkes never drifted too far from the Florida House. In 2001, Paul Hawkes came back to the House in order to serve as Chief of Policy for Speaker Tom Feeney. In this position, Judge Paul Hawkes was able to advise Speaker Feeney on any policy issue that came up in the Florida House.

In the year 2000, Paul Hawkes had the opportunity to work with Gov. Jeb Bush. Paul Hawkes served as an 'efficiency czar' to help streamline operations and helped identify opportunities for outsourcing. In this position, the future Judge Paul Hawkes worked with the future Judge Brad Thomas to outsource food service in Florida state prisons. This proposal saved Florida taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

After being appointed to the First District Court of Appeal, Judge Paul Hawkes had the opportunity to serve as Chief Judge of the Court Of Appeal., Working with his collages on the court, Judge Paul Hawkes was insrumental in creating the first electronic filing system in a Florida appellate court, helped the court earn several Davis Productivity awards, and helped establish a special unit to handle workers’ compensation cases.

The investment of others in Judge Paul Hawkes: An opportunity to serve

Throughout Judge Paul Hawkes' career, he has been a maverick of sorts and been able to serve in many challanging positions. These opportunities came from others being willing to invest their time and trust  in the future judge. One individual who invested his time and trust in Judge Paul Hawkes  was none other than Gov. Jeb Bush. Gov. Jeb Bush allowed Paul Hawkes to work in his office of Policy and Budget, to participate in the formation of some important policy positions, and ultimately to allow him the opportunity to serve as Judge Paul Hawkes, by appointing him to the First District Court of Appeal. 

Gov. Jeb Bush is not the only individual who invested in Judge Paul Hawkes. In 1986, Paul Hawkes had the opportunity to serve the citizens of the Fifth Circuit as an Assistant State Attorney. In 1990, the people of the 26^th House District invested in Paul Hawkes by electing him to the State Legislature. In 1996, Speaker Daniel Webster invested in Paul Hawkes by allowing him to serve as Special Counsel. From being a commission member on the 1997/1998 constitutional Revision Commission, a memebr of the Revenue Estimating Conference, to serving the First DCA as Chief Judge, Paul Hawkes has benefited greatly by the investment others have made in him.

Judge Paul Hawkes often references the comments of Gov. Jeb Bush  on how fortunate he is to be a part of a 'family' that is dedicated to public service. Throughout Judge Paul Hawkes'  career in law and politics, Judge Paul Hawkes is honored to say that he feels the same way.  But none of it would have been possible without the investment of others, for which Paul Hawkes will always be grateful.

More Than 25 Years in Law: Judge Paul Hawkes

Judge Paul Hawkes is proud to say that he has been a member of the Florida Bar for over 25 years. Throughout the course of his career, not only has Judge Paul Hawkes served as a lawyer and a judge, but he also was involved with the Florida House of Representatives in several different capacities.

During his time as a judge, Paul Hawkes wrote the majority decision in a number of important cases. For instance, in Gridine v. State, 89 So.3d 909 (Fla 1^st DCA 2011), he ruled that a 70-year sentence for a juvenile offender was not unconstitutional. In K.G. v. Florida Dept. of Children and Families, 66 So.3^rd 366 (Fla. 1^st DCA 2011), Judge Paul Hawkes wrote for the majority that a dependent child's mother was not given a fair chance to be heard at a hearing which resulted in a shelter order for the minor child.

Judge Paul Hawkes wrote opinions for the majority that enforced the statutory provision that inmates could lose gain time for making claims that lack merit. In Mitchell v. XO Communications, 966 So.2nd 489 (Fla. 1^st DCA 2007), Judge Paul Hawkes wrote an opinion that helped  clarify workers' compensation cases by stating that only the party who has the burden of proof on the issue must demonstrate record evidence supports the JCC’s ruling.

Judge Paul Hawkes has been involved in a myriad of cases over the length of his legal and judicial career. From the time that Judge Paul Hawkes graduated from the

Florida State University College of Law in 1985, he knew that law was going to be a difficult, but rewarding calling., Because of the help of many others he was able to experience some incredible opportunities to serve his state, his country, and the people within it.

Judge Paul Hawkes' Time at the University of South Florida

Throughout his career in law and in politics, Judge Paul Hawkes has enjoyed a variety of distinctions, from becoming one of the youngest chief judges on the First District Court of Appeal, to having the opportunity to work with Gov. Jeb Bush. However, prior to achieving any of these notable distinctions, Judge Paul Hawkes was a student at the University of South Florida.

In 2013, Judge Paul Hawkes celebrated his 30th anniversary of matriculation from the University of South Florida. The University of South Florida was instrumental in Judge Paul Hawkes' career, as his bachelor of science in political science really gave him the background he needed for admission to Florida State to pursue a law degree and then a distinguished career in law.

At the time of Judge Paul Hawkes' matriculation, he worked hard for a distinction of cum laude. This strong academic background allowed Judge Paul Hawkes to pursue a Juris Doctor at Florida State University College of Law.

In addition to the credentials that former Judge Paul Hawkes earned at Florida State College of Law allowed the future judge to meet many other accomplished and dedicated Floridians and future lawyers. These individuals, student and professors, demonstrated to  Judge Paul Hawkes that his dedication to public service would be worthwhile.

Judge Paul Hawkes has now spent more than 25 years in law, and has been able to use his training to fill important positions in Floridia politics. Paul Hawkes served in the Florida House, he later became Special Council to Danny Webster, the first Republican Speaker in the state of Florida in 122 years, and he served on the Constitutional Revision Commission.

Judge Paul Hawkes – History of a Novel Approach to Deliver Better Service – Part 2

It was necessary for Judge Paul Hawkes to lobby the Governor’s office and then to lobby the Florida Legislature on the benefits of the proposal. Judge Paul Hawkes’ lobbying efforts were successful and the First DCA received almost a million dollar appropriation from the Workers’ Compensation Administrative Trust Fund. Critical in obtaining approval for the appropriation was the creation of a new approach to process workers’ compensation cases. Judge Paul Hawkes lead the effort on the First DCA in creating a new unit, dedicated to workers’ compensation, staffed by experienced workers’ compensation lawyers. It was this new approach Judge Paul Hawkes advocated that convinced the Legislature in appropriating the additional resources. 

Not only did the First DCA get additional resources, it created a new approach to handling a significant volume of complex appeals. This new approach the Judge Paul Hawkes and the First implemented -a dedicated unit, experienced attorneys working together to prepare the cases for the panel that would decide the case – provided several benefits.

·         The cases could be decided quickly. Judge Paul Hawkes was amazed at how much faster the court could dispose of a workers’ compensation appeal. On average the court was saving over 100 days of processing time.

·         The court could do more pre-screening to bundle appeals raising similar or identical issues to be decided by the same panel. Judge Paul Hawkes was amazed after joining the court with how it seemed that a question needing to be resolved by the DCA would be brought in several different appeals and would involve several JCCs. By deciding these appeals by the same panel, the court operated more efficiently and consistent.

·         While serving as Chief Judge, Paul Hawkes, based on the suggestion of another judge on the court, authorized the unit to begin to use the prescreening process to identify cases that would be appropriate for summary disposition under the Rules of Appellate Procedure. This allowed the court to save thousands of dollars for litigants in appeal cost. Judge Paul Hawkes is not aware of any other instance where this Rule has been used, especially in a consistent fashion.

Judge Paul Hawkes was extremely pleased in how this novel approach to handling complex cases on appeal benefited the court and litigants. While still on the court, Judge Paul Hawkes advocated that the approach be duplicated in other types of complex cases where a court has sufficient volume, i.e. criminal cases.

Judge Paul Hawkes – History of a Novel Approach to Deliver Better Service – Part 1

Judge Paul Hawkes served on the First DCA for none years beginning in 2003. The First DCA handles all appeals of workers’ compensation cases. The court system weights types of cases in order to measure workload – the greater the weight the more difficult that type of case. When Judge Paul Hawkes was serving on the First DCA the court received about 500 workers’ compensation filings per year. Workers’ compensation cases had a ‘weight’ of 1.9 meaning it was about twice as time consuming or difficult as a typical judgment and sentence appeal.

Consequently, when Judge Paul Hawkes was on the First DCA workers’ compensation cases were equivalent to almost 1,000 criminal appeals.

The First DCA, as part of its performance measures, tracked the average time it took to process each type of case. Workers’ compensation cases, when Judge Paul Hawkes began his time on the court took almost 300 days to process. When Judge Paul Hawkes would attend bench and bar meetings or workers’ compensation conferences a constant complaint was how long it took for the court to process a workers’ compensation case. Judge Paul Hawkes also taught a law school class on workers’ compensation at FSU – College of Law. After spending time preparing for his classes, and participating in various seminars, Judge Paul Hawkes started to realize that the First DCA was not being funded by the Workers’ Compensation Administrative Trust Fund as required by section 440.50 Florida Statutes. Working with the other judges on the First DCA, and then the DCA budget commission, Judge Paul Hawkes put together a proposal that would provide needed additional resources to the First and also help the workers’ compensation bench and bar.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes on Judicial Salaries – Part 2

Judge Paul Hawkes, certainly while he was on the court, always maintained that the reason for this geographic and employer bias in judicial selection was because of judicial compensation. If judges were paid more, the state could attract interest in serving as a judge from a greater number of qualified individuals. When Judge Paul Hawkes was appointed he did not need to move, he did not need to change his children’s school, in fact the distance of his commute into work did not even change. To limit the selection of judges to only those living in Tallahassee and working for the State of Florida is simply not the best way to choose judges.

 The problem is not limited to the First DCA. The current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court served with Judge Paul Hawkes on the First. At the time Justice Polston become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; six of the seven justices were employed by the State of Florida prior to be appointed to the court. Florida has 19.5 million people and about 100,000 lawyers. Judge Paul Hawkes had repeatedly said while he was a judge, that to limit the pool of eligible applicants for the Supreme Court to lawyers employed by the State of Florida is foolish. Judge Paul Hawkes argued that as one of the most important legal jobs in Florida, Justices should be paid at least $100,000 more than they currently are paid. And, although Judge Paul Hawkes would agree that there is no ‘magic’ number the state could attract a more diverse pool of applicants if DCA judges were paid $50,000 more per year.

The opinions are simply those of former DCA Judge Paul Hawkes, but he thinks that Florida appellate courts do important work and we should not jeopardize the quality of their work by failing to attract the best applicants possible.

Former Judge Paul Hawkes on Judicial Salaries – Part 1

Judge Paul Hawkes spent nine years serving as a judge on the First District Court of Appeal. Prior to becoming a judge, Paul Hawkes worked as Chief of Policy for Speaker Tom Feeney. Paul Hawkes had served with Tom Feeney when they were both elected to the Florida House in 1990. They also both left the Legislature at the same time with Tom Feeney running for Lt. Governor, and Paul Hawkes running for Judge in 1994. When he began his service as a judge, Paul Hawkes experienced a pay reduction of over $15,000 per year. Florida, if we wish to provide our citizens with the highest quality and most diverse Judges possible must pay competitive wages.

While he was on the First DCA Judge Paul Hawkes would frequently joke that although he did not know the name or the gender of the next judge that would be appointed to the court he could predict that it would be a Tallahassee government employed lawyer. Of the 10 judges appointed to the court after Judge Paul Hawkes all of them had worked for state government immediately before beginning their tenure on the court. Of the current 15 judges on the court, all but two, as did Judge Paul Hawkes, came directly from state government.  

The First DCA represents 32 of Florida’s 67 counties. Thousands of lawyers live and work in the district. Jacksonville, Gainesville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee are all in the District. Judge Paul Hawkes, as did 9 of the next 10 judges appointed, all worked in Tallahassee before joining the court. No one would suggest that only government lawyers, or only lawyers from Tallahassee, are qualified to serve on the First DCA.