Attorney at Law Magazine sat down with defense-turned-plaintiff’s attorney Trevor Hawes of Coker Law to discuss his career. He has over 22 years’ experience in handling personal injury cases and uses his knowledge and experience as a defense lawyer working with insurance companies for the benefit of his clientele.
AALM When were you first aware that you wanted to be an attorney? What attracted you to this profession?
TH I would find it difficult to pinpoint a single event or moment that led me to pursue this career. It is likely that many other things in my personal life are similar. With time, I learned that I could stand in front large groups of people and be heard without feeling crippling anxiety. I realized that my ability to understand and listen to people was more important than being able to speak in front of a group. I realized that these skills were well-suited for a career in law, and after receiving some helpful advice from my family and friends, it made sense to pursue law school and a legal career.
AALM What lessons have you learned from your experiences?
TH: In short, losses. In my youth, playing soccer was a great way to learn how to lose. Early on, I realized that losing without feeling defeated allowed me to learn about the reasons why I lost and what to do better next time. I carried this concept into my legal career. I think I’ve learned more from my opponents and situations in which I didn’t win. It was difficult to accept this proposition at times but I believe it has helped me improve as a lawyer. Knowing that an adversary could teach me as much as a mentor, I tried to collaborate in problem solving.
AALM What is your favorite part of your practice?
The key to success is the ability to help others. No matter the legal issue, I always had at least two clients in mind. In a personal injury law practice, this often means that at least one client is facing a life-changing situation. To me, the highest level of satisfaction as a professional is finding solutions that can help to redirect negative outcomes and allow healing and resolution.
AALM Why did you first join your firm? Tell us what you do there.
TH Coker Law was introduced to me not long after I moved to Jacksonville. I was impressed by the abilities and skills of this group from my first interactions. In the following years, I was able to try several cases against the firm. I was able to confirm my initial impressions about the firm and its attorneys in each of these cases. It was the level of professionalism and skill that I enjoyed being around, even when I was an opponent. Coker Law graciously allowed me to take on a new career challenge.
AALM : What would you say about the culture of your firm?
TH Take your work more seriously than yourself. Enjoy yourself and be grateful for those around you. It is impossible to just get the job done. It is important to do the work correctly and right on the first try. Only those battles that require a fight should be fought.
AALM : Tell me about your colleagues at the firm. How do you collaborate?
TH Before coming to Coker Law, I worked as a defense lawyer in a state-wide practice for over 20 years. During that time I met many lawyers and law offices. Coker Law has a level of expertise, knowledge, and capability that cannot be matched.
In my previous practice, I often worked alone on a case. Or only had one colleague assist me. Coker Law’s success is built on a collaborative approach.
AALM What is your greatest accomplishment?
TH Without a doubt, my family. It is impossible to do this kind of work well without the support of others. My wife and kids are my support system, who even though they may not be aware, give me hope and positivity. It’s crazy how much they have to deal with; late nights, travel, and grumpy moods. I must have been really good in an earlier life.
I’m proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, which was 20 years of defense practice. I now have new challenges in a plaintiffs practice. I enjoy trial work, and I get to develop my craft while working with people I admire and respect.
What is your favorite activity outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?
TH We spend a lot of time with our teenage children doing outdoor sports such as mountain biking, surfing and snowboarding. It is both a blessing and a curse to see them progressing far beyond me.
AALM What is your greatest hope for the future? What do you hope to achieve in the next five years? What about in 10 years?
TH I don’t want to get stuck in a rut, where I do the same thing over and over again without ever trying to learn or innovate. I want those around me push me, and I will push them. In 10 years I would like to be doing the work I love with the people who I enjoy.
The article Trevor Hawes, a New challenge first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.