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Testimonials

What Others Say About Us

 
When I look for a mediator or an arbitrator, I look for a person who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and authentic. I want a knowledgeable mediator or arbitrator because I want someone who can see the facts of my client's case and quickly connect the facts and the law—someone who can quickly get up to speed and understand what the case is about. I want a compassionate mediator or arbitrator because I want someone who can understand how important this case is to my client. That does not mean I expect the mediator or arbitrator to be swayed by sympathy, but it's important that the gravity of the decision that will be made is acknowledged in every case from the smallest trip and fall to the biggest commercial dispute. Litigation is expensive, painful, and difficult. Nobody but the lawyers really enjoys it. But every case is important to the parties, and the best mediators, arbitrators, and judges know that. Most of all, I want a mediator or arbitrator who is authentic. When the parties to a lawsuit hire a mediator or arbitrator, they are entrusting that person with something precious. That means that I look for people who can walk into a room and connect with my client, people who can—in just a few moments—demonstrate trustworthiness, solemnity, leadership, and humanity. That comes from being an authentic person. Judge Hawthorne has all these traits. He has a breadth of experience that means he is familiar with virtually any kind of case. He has extensive knowledge of the law. He has represented individuals and businesses. And his authenticity and humanity are apparent to anyone who meets him.

Thomas Neville

Colorado Trial Attorney

 

Thomas J. Overton

Colorado Trial Attorney

Judge Bob Hawthorne is a great mediator. Judge Hawthorne listens carefully to what the parties have to say (and don't have to say). This ability enables him to identify the needs of all sides and to help the parties remove impediments to settlement. Judge Hawthorne puts the parties at ease because he truly respects people and their varying viewpoints. Bob is a straight shooter who can be firm when he needs to be. Before he was on the bench, Judge Hawthorne practiced law for 30+ years. He understands the practical realities that lawyers and clients have to deal with. He works hard and doesn't give up easily. You won't be disappointed with Judge Hawthorne as your mediator. Judge Hawthorne also applies his skill set to arbitration. As a former Court of Appeals Judge, he is able to analyze complex legal issues, and, as a former trial attorney, he knows how to identify the important facts in any situation. Most importantly, Judge Hawthorne is fair and unbiased.


Jared R. Ellis

Colorado Trial Attorney

I strongly recommend Judge Hawthorne as a mediator.  He is an adept problem solver who can call on a wealth of practical, legal and judicial experience to assist in settling your case.  He is able to cut through the emotions, remain calm and collected, and give you candid feedback about your legal positions, chances of success, and settlement positions.  He is also creative and willing to think outside the box when necessary to resolve difficult disputes.  Give him a shot, you won’t regret it. 


Joe Martin

Colorado Businessman

Bob Hawthorne was my personal attorney for twenty years before being appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals. He advised me in creating four different companies. Bob always gave me all the different options available and told me I should make the decision. I have had attorneys since who have tried to tell me what I should do, but that's not Bob's style. He always understood that the decisions to be made were mine and he wanted to help me make the most educated decision I could. Bob's approach will work great in mediation.


Chad Jimenez

Colorado Attorney

Judge Hawthorne’s pragmatic approach to the law resolves disputes efficiently and correctly.


Dmitry Vilner

Colorado Trial Attorney

Judge Hawthorne’s superb mentorship helped shape me as a young law clerk, and as my career has progressed, I’ve gone back to Judge Hawthorne again and again for his wise counsel. Judge Hawthorne is a shining example of decency in the legal profession. And his green chili is, of course, legendary.

 

Mary Dodge, PhD, Professor

University of Colorado Denver
School of Public Affairs –
Criminology and Criminal Justice Program

Judge Hawthorne is a talented and gifted teacher. His interactive style creates a positive and energetic rapport with a wide variety of audiences including undergraduates pursuing careers in the courts and law. His communication skills encourage engagement and promote critical thinking around a wide variety of issues. His ability to understand all aspects of a situation is ideal for inclusive collaboration.


Catherine Shea

colorado Attorney

Judge Hawthorne is genuine and down-to-earth. You can be sure that he will listen to your side, take your concerns seriously, and be fair and impartial in his recommendations. He will give your dispute his full attention and apply the tools gained from his years of experience to resolve your issues


Rick Gleason

Colorado Trial Attorney

Judge Hawthorne brings a broad base of experience into his role as an arbitrator and mediator. Having spent most of his career in a solo general practice, he has handled every kind of civil case. Judge Hawthorne has worked with a wide variety of clients with differing motivations, goals, and temperaments. This experience, coupled with 15 years as an appellate judge, gives Judge Hawthorne a unique ability to analyze the legal and personal issues surrounding civil disputes of all types.


Jay Strandjord

Colorado Trial Attorney

What makes Judge Hawthorne such an effective legal mind is his ability to listen openly to both sides while also cutting a case down to its core. He knows just how to get right to the nut of the issue and to do it in a way that seems plain as day. He has a shrewd and whip-smart mind backed by years of experience, and he has a genial demeanor that has a way of putting everyone at ease. This is a man I've seen personally persuade judges of polar opposite opinions to arrive at an agreeable resolution of a case in a way that makes everyone happy with the result. I am eternally fortunate to have served as a clerk under Judge Hawthorne. He has been the most impactful mentor I have ever had in my life (both personally and professionally). I would not be the lawyer nor the man I am today without him.