Paul Hawkes
Youngest Chief Judge: Paul Hawkes
Paul Hawkes
Paul Hawkes was elected to be Chief Judge for the First District Court of Appeal. While Chief Judge Paul Hawkes held this position, the court achieved several goals. The court won three Davis Productivity awards, adopted the first electronic filing and document management system which was not only the first in a Florida Article V court, but became the model for other Florida appellate courts, and importantly, adopted procedures that allowed the court to become more efficient in key measures used by the National Center for State Courts.
Email: paulhawkes.us@outlook.com
Website: http://paulhawkesus.wordpress.com/
Location: FL, USA
Paul Hawkes: Legislative Experience
Paul Hawkes had the honor to previously serve as a State Representative in Districts 26 and 43. During his two terms of service, 1990 to 1994, Paul Hawkes provided the citizens of Hernando, Citrus and Marion Counties with dedicated and high-quality representation, and he was pleased with his ability to effectively collaborate with his fellow legislators to get things done.
Paul Hawkes’ two terms of service as a state legislator allowed him to become an influential voice on several committees, including Health Care, Commerce and Public Schools and Governmental Operations. He served the constituents of his districts by effectively voicing their interests as a member of these committees, and gained invaluable experience that served to further his involvement with the legislature for many years to come.
Paul Hawkes was able to transition his legislative experience into service and counsel for the Speaker of the House in 1996. As Speaker Daniel Webster’s Special Counsel, Paul Hawkes was instrumental in the oversight of special projects, the drafting of new house rules and in referral recommendations on all legislation filed in the House during that time. He became a trusted advisor on Daniel Webster’s staff, and was often sought-after by Webster for his legal and legislative experience and acumen.
Paul Hawkes returned to the Florida House in 2001, becoming the Chief of Policy for Republican Speaker Tom Feeney. As Chief of Policy, Paul Hawkes provided Feeney with sound and trusted advice on any and all policy issues making their way through the House chambers. He was once again trusted by a legislative leader for his professional insight and guidance.
Paul Hawkes: Valued Judge and Attorney
Paul Hawkes entered the legal profession shortly after law school graduation, serving as a Florida Assistant State Attorney. After this he was elected to the Florida Legislature in 1990 and re-elected in 1992. Before his opportunity to serve as a judge in 2003, Paul Hawkes served two House Speakers, served on the Constitutional Revision Commission, had the opportunity to work with Governor Bush, and worked in the private practice of law.
Paul Hawkes prior experience as an attorney provided him multiple opportunities throughout what has been a long and rewarding career in the legal profession. Appointed to a judgeship on the First District Court of Appeal in 2003, he had the great privilege to serve on the court, and participate in many important rulings for nine years, and was rewarded for his service by being twice retained by the Florida electorate during his tenure. Paul Hawkes was honored to have earned the respect of his fellow judges, who elected him to the position of Chief Judge for a term beginning in 2007. At the time, Paul Hawkes had been the youngest judge elected as chief judge in the court’s history.
His tenure as a judge on the Court of Appeal allowed him to be an influential voice for change within the Florida judicial system. As a Chief Judge, Paul Hawkes was able to obtain legislative approval, as well as funding, for the implementation of the first electronic filing system ever in the Florida State Court System. This filing system is now in use in four of the state’s five district courts of appeal.
Paul Hawkes enjoyed the respect and was honored to serve with the other judges and staff of the First District Court of Appeal. The other judges on the court allowed the time Paul Hawkes served as Chief Judge to be innovative and to improve the court’s service to the public.
Paul Hawkes: First Efficiency Czar in Florida State History
The informal title ‘Efficiency Czar’ was given by Governor Jeb Bush as a way to show how important he thought both the obligation to identify and to eliminate state budgetary inefficiencies. As the first ‘Efficiency Czar’, Paul Hawkes provided Governor Bush with valuable advice, leading to improved efficiency of many state services and programs.
Paul Hawkes went to work in Governor Bush’s administration in 2000, and quickly became part of the governor’s team. As a member of the Office of Policy and Budget, Paul Hawkes sought out unique and effective ways to streamline government programs and save the taxpayer money. During his tenure in Florida’s executive branch, he became registered to lobby for the governor’s legislative interests and agenda. Paul Hawkes was required to convey the governor’s interests to members and staff of the state legislature. During Paul Hawkes’ time with Governor Bush he was part of several outsourcing projects for important state-funded programs, such as the state’s prison food service and state employee payroll functions. He was honored to have the opportunity to work with such an innovative and hard working governor.
In his work as ‘Efficiency Czar,’ Paul Hawkes also provided assistance and oversight when the legislature decided to eliminate Florida’s Department of Labor, as well as the establishment of a new department with a smaller and more efficient area of responsibility - the Agency for Workplace Innovation, now known as the Department of Economic Opportunity. Paul Hawkes appreciates the chance he had to work in the governor’s administration, and learned much from his position. He not only had the great opportunity to work with Governor Bush, but also to serve the millions of people who call the Florida home.
Paul Hawkes: Appellate Judge for 9 Years
Paul Hawkes served as an appellate judge for nine years. He was appointed to the First District Court Of Appeals by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2003. Paul Hawkes had previously worked with the Governor; he served as Gov. Jeb Bush's 'efficiency czar' from 1999 until 2000. Paul Hawkes has the distinction of being the first person to perform in this role. Paul Hawkes was able to help Gov. Jeb Bush make government work better for Floridians.
Paul Hawkes was honored that Gov. Jeb Bush saw fit to appoint him to the First District Court Of Appeal. Some consider this the most important appeals court in the state of Florida. However, not only did Paul Hawkes have the honor of serving as judge, his peers placed their trust in him by allowing him to serve as the court’s Chief Judge. He served in this position from 2007 until 2009. His election as Chief Judge of the First District, resulted in Paul Hawkes being the youngest Chief Judge elected by the First DCA.
Paul Hawkes was able to serve with distinction for a long period of time due to his commitment to law and ability to remain impartial. Appellate judges have a uniquely difficult job in that they must review cases accepting the fact finding that occurred in the trial court and considering only questions of law.
Despite the difficulties, Paul Hawkes found his service in Florida's First Court Of Appeals to be extremely rewarding and invigorating. He was especially honored to be nominated to serve as Chief Judge.
The Consummate Advisor: Paul Hawkes
Throughout his long career, Paul Hawkes is thankful for so many opportunities to serve others. He has served in all three branches of government, and in many different positions. However, one common theme that runs through Paul Hawkes' career is that he has always been able to provide advice to people at the right time, and has enjoyed the recognition of others.
For example, from 1999 until 2000, Paul Hawkes had the distinction of serving as Gov. Jeb Bush's 'efficiency czar'. This meant that Paul Hawkes' had the opportunity to find more efficient ways to meet needs while protecting the taxpayers’ resources in making the executive branch more streamlined and, of course, more efficient. Paul Hawkes was able to help outsource prison food services, as well as find more efficient ways to process payroll services for government personnel. He also helped to set up the new Agency for Workforce Innovation.
Paul Hawkes has also been an advisor to two Speakers of the House. When Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 122 years, Paul Hawkes was given the opportunity to serve as the Special Counsel for Speaker Danny Webster. He served in this position from 1996 until 1998. Here, he assisted with Bill referral recommendations, helped restructure the House of Representatives, and helped write new rules.
From 2000 until 2002, Paul Hawkes worked as the Chief of Policy for Speaker Tom Feeney. Here, he assisted the Speaker in obtaining policy objectives. He helped write rules, restructure the House, and make Bill referral recommendations.
Paul Hawkes is a man who can be relied on for good advice at the right time.
The Importance of Education: Paul Hawkes
Paul Hawkes is a man who is completely dedicated to public service. He has enjoyed extraordinary success in his career as a judge, lawyer, lobbyist, State Representative, and senior staff in the executive branch. However, Paul Hawkes realizes that he did not achieve these positions by random chance, but rather by the trust and confidence that others had placed in him. One way to earn the trust and confidence of others is to approach learning opportunities seriously. This is why Paul Hawkes is a strong believer in the power of education.
Paul Hawkes received his bachelors of science in political science from the University of South Florida in 1983, where he graduated cum laude. He then proceeded to attend Florida State University College of Law, where he graduated with honors in 1985 with a Juris Doctor.
Paul Hawkes then went on to have a distinguished career in public service, but he never forgot the importance of his education. This dedication led him to become a teacher himself. He has experience teaching at Florida State University, where he taught courses in Legislation, Pretrial Civil Drafting, and Workers' Compensation. He has also taught at Florida Judicial College where he explored concepts of Statutory Interpretation with other judges.
Paul Hawkes' education allowed him to achieve some of the highest elected and appointed positions in the state of Florida. He hopes that his time as a teacher has inspired others to follow in his footsteps and recognize the benefits and innumerable rewards of public service.
How to Speak Persuasively: Paul Hawkes
As a lawyer, judge, and politician, Paul Hawkes is well aware of how important it is to be able to speak persuasively. Paul Hawkes considers the ability to convince and sway people toward your viewpoint as one of the most important skills that a person can cultivate. While Paul Hawkes was able to cultivate these skills during his time as an undergraduate in political science and in law school, he realizes that not everybody has these opportunities. Paul Hawkes would like to give advice about how to speak persuasively here.
· Persuasion is not manipulation. Paul Hawkes says that many people are under the impression that persuasion is somehow dishonest. The first step to becoming persuasive is understanding that manipulation is getting somebody to do something that is not in their own best interest, Paul Hawkes says, while persuasion is merely the art of getting somebody to act in a way that is both in their own interest and in yours.
· Persuade those who can be persuaded. Paul Hawkes says that not everybody can be persuaded all the time. The best way to persuade people is to ensure that you know who your target audience is and formulate your message to that particular group. Being able to persuade a large percentage of a smaller focus group is always better than persuading a small percentage of a larger group.
· Build rapport. Again, many lawyers have a bad reputation due to slick talking and no attention to what their audience needs, Paul Hawkes says. This goes back to understanding the difference between persuasion and manipulation, as well as understanding your audience and what they need.
With these tips, Paul Hawkes hopes that you will have luck in the art of persuasion!
Paul Hawkes: Devoted to Public Service
If there is one thing to know about Paul Hawkes, it is his unparalleled commitment to public service. Paul Hawkes has served his country and his state in all three branches of government, and considers public service his true calling. From his time spent as a member of the House of Representatives in Florida, to becoming one of the appellate judges on Florida's First District Court Of Appeals, to working with members of the executive branch to promote efficiency and other matters, Paul Hawkes is a true public servant.
Paul Hawkes served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1990 until 1994. He represented the citizens of Citrus and parts of Marion and Hernando Counties, Districts 26 and 43. In the Florida House he served on the Commerce, Health Care, Public Schools, and Governmental Operations Committees.
Paul Hawkes was appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush to serve as a judge on the Florida First District Court Of Appeals. During this time, Paul Hawkes was elected by his peers to serve as Chief Judge. This was especially notable because Paul Hawkes was the youngest Chief Judge ever elected by his peers. During his time as Chief Judge, Paul Hawkes developed an electronic document management system for the court.
Paul Hawkes has also worked in the executive branch, during the tenure of Gov. Jeb Bush. He also acted as Special Counsel for Speaker Danny Webster, and was Chief of Policy for Speaker Tom Feeney.
Paul Hawkes has served his country with distinction, and is very proud of his long and illustrious career.
Paul Hawkes: A Friend of Governor Jeb Bush
Paul Hawkes worked for Governor Jeb Bush just one year —but what a year it was. Within the Office of the Governor, Paul Hawkes served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Policy and Budget. However, it did not take long for Gov. Bush to notice the hardworking Paul Hawkes and give him a new title and focus for his work: "efficiency czar." While perhaps humorously so named, Paul Hawkes' work was far from comical. It was Paul Hawkes job to find ways to make the government more efficient.
To accomplish this task of increasing efficiency, Paul Hawkes became well acquainted with all the governor's various agencies. This was not an easy task, as there was much to get familiar with. However, Paul Hawkes rose to the occasion and showed that he could accomplish whatever task was set before him.
Paul Hawkes was involved with seeking ways to be more efficient with taxpayer money, like the outsourcing of prison food services, outsourcing of payroll servicing for state employees, and the structuring of the new Agency for Workforce Innovation, which was to take many of the functions handled by the Department of Labor, which was to be eliminated.
Paul Hawkes Believes in Florida
Paul Hawkes has spent his entire working life serving the people of Florida. From elected positions to appointed positions, Paul Hawkes has given his time, talents, energy, and commitment to this state. Paul Hawkes has been a Representative, a judge, and a counselor, plus much more. One position to the next, Paul Hawkes has not settled into just one kind of work. However, he has settled on one state: Paul Hawkes stays in Florida.
This is his home and his passion, Paul Hawkes says. Here in Florida is where Paul Hawkes wishes to give his all. There is no other state and no other people that mean as much to Paul Hawkes. Floridians are a special lot. They go effortlessly from the beach to the capitol building, and Paul Hawkes loves that—among many other things about Florida. Paul Hawkes sees no reason to even consider moving somewhere else.
The people of Florida certainly have found an advocate in Paul Hawkes. This man has dedicated himself to making Florida better for its citizens. Even in "retirement" from government work, Paul Hawkes has found a way to continue to be involved. Recently Paul Hawkes opened his lobbyist office in Tallahassee. It is Paul Hawkes' hope that through his work as a lobbyist, the people of Florida will continue to turn to him with their needs, just as they did when he was a Representative. Their voices need to be heard, Paul Hawkes says, their interests need to be met. This is simply a new way of doing that.
For most of his life, Paul Hawkes has been serving the people of Florida in various roles of public service. Paul Hawkes started out in the Florida House of Representatives, after working for a short time as an Assistant State Attorney. From 1990 to 1994, Paul Hawkes gave all his time and energy to the Florida House of Representatives, petitioning the needs of Districts 26 and 43, which encompass Citrus and parts of Marion and Hernando Counties.
Tom Feeney's Trusted Counselor: Paul Hawkes
When Paul Hawkes was asked to be Speaker of the House Tom Feeney's Chief of Policy in 2001, Paul Hawkes could not believe that lightning had struck twice. This was not the first time that Paul Hawkes had been asked to serve on the staff of a Speaker. When Daniel Webster had been elected Speaker in 1996, Webster had asked Paul Hawkes to be Special Counsel for him. Now, Paul Hawkes found himself once more serving as a counselor for a Florida House Speaker.
Paul Hawkes and Tom Feeney got on extremely well. Feeney turned to Paul Hawkes and trusted him on many important issues. As can be imagined, serving as Chief of Policy meant that Paul Hawkes dealt with all policy issues that arose during Feeney’s Speakership. This kept Paul Hawkes quite busy. Tom Feeney was very aggressive in his policy goals. Paul Hawkes would be called on for his opinions on member relations, dealings with the Florida Senate, the Governor’s office and personnel issues. Speaker Feeney expected everything to get done and done well, no matter the workload. There was no need for Speaker Feeney to worry that Paul Hawkes would be without work to fill his days.
The Newest Florida Lobbyist: Paul Hawkes
With the energy caused by enthusiasm and anticipation, Paul Hawkes recently turned the key to open his new office and his new career: lobbyist. This is a job that Paul Hawkes has been considering for some time, but has finally seen come into realization. If there were ever someone who has the experience and knowledge to be a successful lobbyist, it would be Paul Hawkes.
Paul Hawkes has had a long and diverse career in Florida politics. From Representative to appellate judge, Paul Hawkes has seen the gamut of the Florida government. Paul Hawkes has been adviser to two State Speakers of the House, as well as a part of Governor Jeb Bush's office staff, serving as a Deputy Director for the Office of Policy and Budget. Gov. Jeb Bush later appointed Paul Hawkes to the First District Court of Appeal as a judge. During this appointment, Paul Hawkes was elected Chief Judge by his peers. Thus it is easy to see that Paul Hawkes has ample experience to make him an excellent lobbyist.
The Florida Constitution and Paul Hawkes
In 1996, Florida had an extraordinary election year: the Republicans won a majority in the state House of Representatives. Daniel Webster became the Speaker of the House and asked Paul Hawkes to take the position of Special Counsel for the House. Upon accepting the post, Webster consulted Paul Hawkes on sundry issues throughout his term. During this period, Daniel Webster also appointed Paul Hawkes to the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission of 1997-1998. Paul Hawkes was then made Chair of the Bonding and Investments Committee.
This was one of Paul Hawkes' most successful – and subsequently most enjoyable periods – of work for the Florida government. Paul Hawkes had been a Florida representative from Districts 26 and 43 back in 1990-1994. Being back in the capital building felt natural to Paul Hawkes, a return to familiar ground. This was a new position, though, serving on the Constitutional Revision Commission. Paul Hawkes had great respect for the work that he and his colleagues put in with this commission. What could be more important, Paul Hawkes thought, than helping to ensure that the state constitution accurately reflects the needs of the people and safeguards both their rights and their liberties.
In the end, all the work was worth it. Paul Hawkes and his fellow commission members had great success with the Florida voters. Of the nine proposals for revisions that Paul Hawkes and the commission put together, eight of these were adopted by the voters. Paul Hawkes walked away from his time spent on this commission with a great feeling of accomplishment.
Helping to Make History: Paul Hawkes
The year of 1996 was historic for the state of Florida, and by extension for Paul Hawkes. But to understand this, you have to back up 122 years. When the 1874 Florida state elections took place, no one could know that it was a historic year for Florida. The Democrats had won the majority in the House of Representatives and there was nothing particularly extraordinary about that by itself. However, Florida’s voters would make it extraordinary by electing Democrats to the majority in the House of Representatives for the next 122 years.
This run ended in 1996, though, when the Republicans were finally given an opportunity to serve as the majority party. Among those Republicans clamoring with excitement was Paul Hawkes. As a Republican, Paul Hawkes was pleased for his party. But added to this, the new Speaker for the House, Daniel Webster, asked Paul Hawkes to serve as Special Counsel to him, a position Paul Hawkes gladly accepted. Paul Hawkes had previously served as a Representative himself, serving with Speaker Webster, and welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the Florida House again.
While serving this role as Special Counsel to Daniel Webster, Paul Hawkes was able to advise the Speaker on many important matters. Among his tasks, Paul Hawkes helped to draft the new Rules for the Florida House, which went into effect during Daniel Webster's term. Paul Hawkes also made referral recommendations to Speaker Webster on every piece of legislation that was filed in the House. Speaker Webster also gave Paul Hawkes the opportunity to oversee several special projects within the Speaker's office.
Paul Hawkes' Thirty Year Reunion from University of South Florida
The year of 2013 marked thirty years for Paul Hawkes since his graduation from University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. Paul Hawkes made the choice to attend University of South Florida, because of the Saint Petersburg campus and the quality of the faculty. When everything was considered, Paul Hawkes knew University of South Florida was for him.
Paul Hawkes graduated Cum Laude with his degree in Political Science. The choice of a major was much easier than choice of a school, because Paul Hawkes had always shown particular interest in politics. Paul Hawkes enjoyed the company of his fellow Political Science majors and found his faculty's lectures stimulating. It was with a little melancholy that Paul Hawkes left University of Florida after graduation. Paul Hawkes had left behind many memories there at the school.
After his graduation in 1983, Paul Hawkes went on to Florida State University College of Law, which led to a professional career in public service. Paul Hawkes served in several capacities in Florida’s state government, serving as a criminal prosecutor, a State Representative , a member of the Constitutional Revision Commission, a Deputy Director in the Office of the Governor, and nine years as an appellate judge. In the midst of all this, Paul Hawkes was adjunct faculty at the Florida State College of Law. This addition to his schedule was inspired by Paul Hawkes' appreciation for his professors in college. Paul Hawkes knows how valuable a good teacher is to a student.
Paul Hawkes
Paul Hawkes opens his lobbyist office in Tallahassee to great anticipation. Having worked for 22 years within Florida state government, Paul Hawkes is ready to try a little something different, but close to the government work that he knows best.
Paul Hawkes
Paul Hawkes is pleased to have been a part of Governor Jeb Bush's staff, serving for one year as a Deputy Director of the Office of Policy and Budget. Gov. Bush called Paul Hawkes his "efficiency czar" for the work he did to increase the efficiency of the government.
Paul Hawkes
Serving as an appellate judge for the Florida First District Court of Appeal was one of the brightest moments in Paul Hawkes' life. Paul Hawkes held this position for nine years, being retained by the North Florida voters after being appointed by Governor Jeb Bush.