Paul Hawkes, while not a superstitious man, has to acknowledge that three seems to be his lucky number. Recently, Paul Hawkes celebrated the anniversaries of three major life events that all happened during years ending with three: his graduation from University of South Florida in 1983, his appointment as judge to the Florida First District Court of Appeal in 2003, and his career change to lobbyist in 2013.

In 1983, Paul Hawkes graduated Cum Laude from University of South Florida with his B.S. in Political Science. Paul Hawkes enjoyed his time at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. Majoring in Political Science with great professors on a small branch campus was a great environment that fueled Paul Hawkes in starting his career in Florida politics. From USF, Paul Hawkes went on to study law at Florida State University, served as a Research Editor on the FSU, College of Law – Law Review, and graduated with honors, allowing Paul to get his start in public service by working as a prosecutor in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. The University of South Florida still holds a special place in Paul Hawkes' memory, even 30 years later.

The year of 2003 saw Paul Hawkes appointed to the First District Court of Appeal as a judge by Governor Jeb Bush. Paul Hawkes had worked in Gov. Bush's office in 2000. The position of appellate judge suited Paul Hawkes quite well, and he held the position for nine years – being twice retained by the voters in North Florida. His peers elected Paul Hawkes as Chief Judge for a term beginning in 2008. Paul Hawkes left the appellate court in 2012.

Now, 2013 marks a new chapter in Paul Hawkes' life. After a 22-year professional career in various aspects of public service, Paul Hawkes has shifted his focus — slightly. With great anticipation, Paul Hawkes has opened his lobbyist office on Park Avenue in Tallahassee. Paul Hawkes can now use his acquired skills to continue to make Florida a better place by helping those with good ideas to be heard by policy makers.

So, Paul Hawkes had a great deal to celebrate at the close of 2013. Thirty years since he was an undergrad and ten years since he sat for the first time on a judge's bench, Paul Hawkes is still ready to try new things. With his work as a lobbyist, Paul Hawkes plans to continue to make a difference in the lives of Floridians, whom he has served his entire professional life.