Are You an Outlaw? Meet Erin Hawk

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Erin Hawk, Director of Development and Marketing at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP. Erin has more than 23 years of communications, marketing and business development experience in the legal industry, and currently leads the development and marketing efforts of her firm with a focus on initiatives to grow the firm’s client relationships and increase revenue. She is a former President of the Legal Marketing Association, Ohio Chapter (2014) and has presented nationally on legal marketing and business development topics.

We asked Erin a few questions and her answers can be found below. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: While I would love to live somewhere warmer than Ohio and closer to the beach, in reality, I love Columbus and love being close to my family and friends here. As much as I would love to travel more and experience new places, this is home.

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Many things make me happy – especially being with my family and friends. To me, though, I have found that happiness comes from within – it is an attitude and a perspective on life. I try to remind myself to find happiness in the everyday and the small moments. Approach the day with a smile on your face and happiness will find you.

Q: Who is your real life hero?
A: My real life hero was my Grandmother. She was a journalist as well as a college professor and she always stood up for what she believed in. I loved spending time with her and her bigger-than-life personality. I would take two buses across town to work in the art gallery that she managed and curated. She showed me how impactful a smart, educated, driven woman could be in both her business and her efforts in the community. She spoke her mind and cared deeply about others. I think of her often and get strength from my memories of her. I hope I would make her proud.

Q: What is your motto?
A: Always strive for excellence; it is important to be both confident and humble at the same time; and to be authentic and empathetic.

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: My greatest fear is something tragic happening to one of my kids.

Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
A: While I have many faults, I feel most indulgent when I am drinking a cocktail (or three) with my friends. Also, my love of shopping, especially for shoes, and the joy I get from finding a great sale could be considered my worst addiction.

Q: Finish this sentence: If I could have one super-power, it would be…
A: …the power to heal those who are in pain.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: While there are many who would make the short list, the first person I thought of is Michelle Obama. Her genuine and empathetic nature and her down-to-earth attitude would make for great conversation.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: I started in the legal industry 23 years ago as Director of Marketing at a regional firm in Columbus when my mentor referred me to the firm’s Partner-in-Charge of marketing when I was looking for a new challenge. Little did I know how challenging it would be, and that I was charting a course that would define my career.

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: I have learned a lot about myself over the last several months and my ability to overcome challenges. My current state of mind is a sense of peace with myself, my need to prioritize what is important in my life, and a sense of hope for the future.

Q: Your favorite virtue?
A: Trustworthiness and a strong work ethic.

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement?
A: My greatest achievement has been raising three amazing kids and doing my best to be a great example for them of how to aim high, work hard, and face challenges with grace.

Q: Finish this sentence: If I won the lottery tomorrow I would…
A: Hire a lawyer! After that, and after paying off any debt and putting plenty aside for my kids’ college, I would start planning elaborate trips with my family and friends. I would also look for ways I could make a difference for organizations and causes I believe in.

Q: Who would you have liked to be?
A: I would have liked to have been a bestselling author. I love reading and escaping with a great novel, and I love creative writing. Maybe someday. I think we all have a story inside us to tell.