Former Judge Paul Hawkes is known for many things. First of all, he has been fortunate enough to be involved in some very important cases. For instance, he helped craft a novel argument on attorney fees that protected Eugene Jacobson's First Amendment rights. He has also had the chance to serve on the other side of the bench, being appointed to Florida's First District Court of Appeal by none other than Gov. Jeb Bush, and then being elected by the other judges to the position of Chief Judge. It is no wonder that Judge Paul Hawkes is a thankful person, from his service in the courtroom to his service to the public as a member of the Florida House of Representatives he has been allowed some incredible opportunities.

Not only has Judge Paul Hawkes had the chance to serve in the courtroom as well as other positions of public service, but he has also been cited in academic works.

"While I am first and foremost most thankful for the many opportunities I have had for public service, I also have a the opportunity to participate academic pursuits. While serving as Judge Paul Hawkes he frequently said. "One of the great opportunities my tenure as a judge has provided me is to work with so many talented and interesting students studing law. Being able to work with them and becoming a resource to them is humbleing. “

For instance, a book titled Making Civil Rights Law: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court, references an article that Judge Paul Hawkes co-authored about desegregating the University of Florida Law School, while he was in law school.

Judge Paul Hawkes' interest in academia is often overlooked, as his career in public service has been far more public. He taught several courses at Florida State University, college of law, including Legislation, Pretrial Civil Drafting, and Workers' Compensation from 2005 until 2012. He also had the opportunity to teach Statutary Interpretation at the Florida Judicial College in 2005.

"Successful careers in law and public service require hardwork and frequently are not appreciated," Judge Paul Hawkes says. "However, very few careers can be so meaningful or offer the chance to impact the quaility of life for so many individuals. I was very pleased to spend time with some of the brightest young minds in Florida and hopefully inspire some of them to also take the path of public service."