James G.
Hawthorne, Jr.
Of Counsel
Phone: 334-834-1180
Fax: 334-834-3172
hawthorne@copelandfranco.com
Education
- B.S., University of Alabama (1967)
- J.D., Jones Law School (1973)
- The Stonier Graduate School of Banking; Rutgers University and The University of Delaware (1987)
Practice Areas
- Wills, Trusts and Estates
- Probate Law
Associations & Community Involvement
- Alabama Bar Association
- Alabama State Court Mediator Roster
- Montgomery County Bar Association
- Montgomery Estate Planning Council (past president)
- Montgomery Children's Center (past president and board member)
- Montgomery Area Red Cross
- Sunshine Center of Montgomery
- Montgomery Area United Way
- Montgomery Area Food Bank
Speeches & Publications
- Author: “Law of Trusts in Alabama,” Alabama Institute for Continuing Legal Education (1982)
Attorney Profile
Since 1947, Copeland Franco has met the commercial and litigation needs of a diverse client base through comprehensive legal representation. Copeland Franco attorneys carry legal credentials from top national law schools such as Yale, Harvard, Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Cumberland, as well as having served as clerks at the federal, district and circuit court levels. More importantly, they bring an extensive courtroom experience to each case. The firm's expertise has been recognized by having two of its current partners inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Copeland Franco also specializes in appellate work in both state and federal courts of appeals. Partners at Copeland Franco have participated in over 350 reported decisions, and one partner is a member of the American College of Appellate Lawyers.
The firm's history of exceptional legal representation is further reflected by the fact that three former partners have been appointed as federal judges.
Copeland Franco's litigation practice involves the representation of both plaintiffs and defendants. Copeland Franco's business practice involves representation of major national corporations as well as large family-owned and -operated businesses. Clients range from Fortune 500 companies to individuals. Additionally, the firm has over 100 combined years of experience in handling complex tax, estate, real estate, banking, and transactional matters.
Copeland Franco prides itself on meeting the needs of its client base through personal attention and innovative, cost-effective service.
