Robert D. Hawk, Jr.

Robert D. Hawk, Jr. is a seasoned civil trial lawyer whose practice is defined by the successful defense of complex, high-exposure litigation.  His practice encompasses the defense of transportation and trucking litigation, construction accident litigation, the defense of worker’s compensation claims, employment matters, premises liability, insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, commercial disputes, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, and professional liability claims.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Hawk has handled a broad spectrum of high-exposure and legally complex matters.  His experience includes defending claims brought under 42 U.S.C. §1983, including allegations involving law enforcement use of force, defending claims involving allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, litigating complex construction and industrial accident cases, and managing catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation.  His practice has included the successful defense of constitutional claims, catastrophic injury and wrongful death actions, complex commercial disputes, employment litigation, construction accident litigation, and worker’s compensation matters at both the trial and appellate levels.  This diverse litigation background enables him to provide practical, strategic counsel across a wide range of tort, constitutional, employment and worker’s compensation matters.

Before joining Kopka Law Group, Mr. Hawk managed the Worker’s Compensation Litigation Department at a prominent Indiana defense firm, where he successfully represented employers and worker’s compensation insurers in complex claims through the state.  He completed Indiana’s Civil Mediation Training in 2005 and is qualified to serve as a neutral in litigated civil matters.

Throughout his career, Mr. Hawk has also been entrusted with the representation of developmentally disabled individuals in both civil and criminal matters.   Among his most meaningful representations was serving as counsel for two non-verbal, developmentally disabled young men in a civil action involving a residential institution, successfully protecting their interests in highly sensitive litigation.

Mr. Hawk has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America™ since 2018 for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.  He is recognized for combining practical judgment with vigorous advocacy, earning the trust of businesses, insurers, public entities, employers, and individuals in high-stakes litigation.

A resident of Northwest Indiana, Mr. Hawk remains active in the special education and autism communities through his family’s longstanding involvement and advocacy.