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I am a Graduate of the University of Connecticut, Class of 1987 and Albany Law School of Union University, with a Juris Doctor Degree  in 1990.  I was Admitted to the New York State Bar, the Southern District of New York Federal Court, and Eastern District of New York Federal Court in 1991.  I was Admitted to the Connecticut State Bar in 1992, and I was Admitted to the District of Connecticut Federal Court in 1994.  I am a member of the Rockland County Bar Association and  I am also a Justice of the Peace in the State of Connecticut.

I knew I wanted to be an attorney from a very young age. As a young adult I was a spirited negotiator and enjoyed a good verbal duel, much to my parents' chagrin. I also enjoyed developing and honing my logic and strategy skills to obtain sought-after outcomes. As the child of divorced parents in the Northern Virginia area, I understand first-hand how a litigated divorce can negatively impact children. I also understand the interplay of blended families, and I am very close to my step-mother and half-brother.. I enjoy all aspects of being a divorce litigator, from the direct client interaction, to strategizing best paths to optimal outcomes and obtaining excellent results for my clients either via mediation or litigation. Unafraid of litigating matters of first impression, I have obtained positive results in matters of first impression throughout my career. I enjoy and do best when thinking outside of the standard family law paradigm to find creative solutions for my clients that help them feel empowered by an otherwise overwhelming process.. My mind is always working on matters that will positively impact my clients, whether it be reading the latest case law, working on state bar committees and conferences, assisting in a national legal task force, or simply volunteering in pro bono family law matters. My work is my passion and my peers are my friends.

Having been admitted to the bar in 2010, Meredith Gerhart has dedicated her legal career to various aspects of family law, specializing in divorce, legal separation, modifications to parenting plans, adjustments to child support, paternity matters, and relocations.. Beyond her private practice, Meredith serves as a Guardian ad Litem on the Thurston County Title 26 Guardian ad Litem registry. She frequently receives court appointments to advocate for young individuals in dependency proceedings initiated by the State of Washington.In contrast to many of her peers, Meredith entered law school with a specific goal of becoming a family law practitioner. Her motivation stems from a steadfast commitment to minimizing potential harm to children involved in court proceedings, whether directly or indirectly. She actively engages in child-centered and trauma-focused representation on a daily basis, striving to protect the well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community.. Meredith's academic journey includes earning a cum laude Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Vanderbilt University, followed by obtaining her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. During her tenure at Gonzaga, she distinguished herself as the Staff Editor of the Gonzaga Law Review.

Good Lawyers help Good Clients Gain Greater Good. Collectively, the lawyers at Hawkes Law Firm have over eighty years experience in representing individuals and small businesses in Washington State. We pride ourselves in providing excellent, friendly service in nearly every area of law a Washington resident might need help with over the course of his or her life. Consulting with a lawyer doesn't have to be an expensive hassle.