Trippe Hawthorne says he was “blessed with an even temperament” thanks to his parents’ example, though he concedes it’s a personality trait not found in every lawyer.
“It’s kind of funny,” he says. “A lot of lawyers are boisterous and combative. That’s just not my style. Early in my practice, I kind of tried it out to see if it fit. It was a disaster. I figured I’m better at catching flies with honey.”
Hawthorne practiced law in Alexandria to forge his own identity as an attorney before coming to Kean Miller, which was co-founded by his father, Bob Hawthorne. Today, the son is a partner in the firm, where he practices in the litigation and construction law groups, drawing on experience in commercial litigation, construction law and general litigation. It’s fascinating work most of the time, Hawthorne says.
“I am lucky to have found a practice area that every day can present significant, meaningful challenges and opportunities to help people,” he says.
“Lots of lawyers who primarily do litigation work spend most of the day fighting with each other and other people. I do a lot of that. But I also enjoy the opportunity to get on the other side and help people on the transactional side of things—putting together projects and deals and getting invested in the planning process. It’s a nice balance to have.”
Hawthorne is heavily involved in volunteer work through his church and the A.C. Lewis YMCA, and credits Kean Miller for a philosophy that encourages giving back to the community. An avid runner himself, he spearheaded Rouge Runners, a program that introduces children 14 and under to running. While it involves competitive races, it’s less about winning than having fun and getting children to exercise who might not be encouraged to otherwise.
“The day that I finish one of those races and don’t enjoy it, I’ll have to get my head checked out,” Hawthorne says. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning. It is a ball.”
Age: 37
If you could have a job other than your own, what would it be?
“If I won the lottery I would probably try to keep my office here and pay off my bills. I’m a sailor, although I don’t get to do it much anymore. It would be fun to be a captain on a blue-water yacht somewhere, taking people to fabulous destinations.”
Click here for the complete list of 2008's Forty Under 40 winners.
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