Erin Morrow Hawley: Education, Career, and Impact

Erin Morrow Hawley is a multifaceted figure, known for her legal expertise, academic contributions, and role as the wife of Senator Josh Hawley. This article delves into her educational background, career trajectory, and the various roles she plays in the public sphere.

Introduction

Erin Morrow Hawley's journey is characterized by academic excellence and a commitment to both legal theory and practice. From her early interest in animal science to her impactful legal career, she has consistently demonstrated a dedication to learning and leadership.

Early Life and Education

Hawley's academic journey began at Texas A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2002. Her time at Texas A&M proved to be a formative experience, shaping her future career path. She participated in the TAMU-Washington program during the summer of 2001 and interned for Congressman Thornberry. This internship provided her with a window into how laws and regulations affect farmers and ranchers on a daily basis. She was also a member of the 2001 Texas A&M University Livestock Judging Team. Livestock judging and the reputation of the Animal Science program were the primary reasons she attended A&M. The knowledge, confidence, and lifelong friendships that livestock judging gave to her are irreplaceable.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Hawley pursued her legal education. After one year at the University of Texas School of Law, she transferred to Yale Law School, where she earned her J.D. degree in 2005. At Yale, she served as a Coker Fellow in Constitutional Law and on the Yale Law Journal.

Early Career and Clerkships

Following her graduation from Yale Law School, Hawley embarked on a career marked by prestigious clerkships and legal practice. She worked as a litigation associate with Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Washington, D.C. Her career included clerkships for Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the U.S Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. of the Supreme Court. One of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been the opportunity to serve as a law clerk to Chief Justice John Roberts at the Supreme Court of the United States. Her responsibilities included preparing the Chief Justice for cases, drafting opinions, and writing memorandums to the Justices about cases where a party sought the Court’s review.

Transition to Academia

In 2011, Hawley joined the University of Missouri School of Law as an Associate Professor of Law. She taught constitutional litigation, federal income tax, tax policy, and agricultural law. She also taught constitutional law as a senior fellow at the Kinder Institute for Constitutional Democracy. She expressed delight in being at a place that combines her love for legal theory, students, and agriculture.

Legal Career

Before joining Alliance Defending Freedom, Hawley practiced appellate law at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Bancroft LLP, and King & Spalding LLP, all in Washington, D.C. Hawley has litigated extensively before the Supreme Court of the United States as well as numerous federal courts of appeals and state courts of last resort. She has briefed cases in the Supreme Court and in numerous federal courts of appeals. She has twice argued before the D.C. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Hawley serves as senior counsel to the appellate team at Alliance Defending Freedom and senior legal fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum. She currently serves as Chair of the Supreme Court and Appellate Practice at Lex Politica, while remaining Of Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom.

Prominent Cases and Advocacy

Hawley has been involved in several high-profile legal cases, particularly those concerning religious freedom and abortion.

In 2014 Hawley joined a challenge to California, which required more spacious enclosures for hens laying eggs to be sold there. She wrote an amicus brief on behalf of the Independent Women’s Forum for the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case, supporting the organization’s owners who refused to offer contraception coverage to their employees for religious reasons. She also wrote amicus briefs for two Supreme Court cases: Zubik v. Burwell (2016) and Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue (2020).

Hawley was part of the team that worked on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) case, which overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. She was involved in another Supreme Court case, 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023).

In 2024, Hawley presented a case to the Supreme Court against the FDA's approval of mifepristone, arguing that the medication is a danger to women. She argued that "federal approval of the abortion pill went forward without enough consideration of possible side effects and dangers, and that subsequent changes to enable greater access ignored health risks to women". In the same year, she signed the paperwork for Alliance Defending Freedom's representation of the Idaho Attorney General in Moyle v. United States.

Public Image and Commentary

Hawley is a frequent commentator on legal issues. Her work has been featured in World Magazine, USA Today, Fox News, the Washington Examiner, the Legal Times, and the Hill, among others.

Personal Life

Erin Morrow Hawley is married to Senator Josh Hawley. The couple met while they were both working as law clerks for Chief Justice Roberts in 2007 and married in 2010. They have three children and reside in Virginia.

Impact and Influence

Erin Morrow Hawley's career reflects a blend of academic rigor, legal expertise, and public advocacy. Her work in constitutional law, religious freedom, and abortion rights has placed her at the center of significant legal and political debates. Her contributions to academia, coupled with her active involvement in landmark court cases, underscore her influence in shaping legal discourse.

Tips from Erin Morrow Hawley

As a successful lawyer, devoted wife and mother, and committed member of her community, Erin Morrow Hawley offers valuable insights. Here are a few tips to glean from her journey:

Find a mentor who will support and guide you: A mentor can provide invaluable advice and support, both personally and professionally.
Don't be afraid to ask for help: No one can do everything alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erin Morrow Hawley's educational background?
Erin Morrow Hawley graduated from Yale Law School.
What is Erin Morrow Hawley's occupation?
Erin Morrow Hawley is a lawyer.
What is Erin Morrow Hawley's political affiliation?
Erin Morrow Hawley is a Republican.
How many children do Erin Morrow Hawley and Josh Hawley have?
Erin Morrow Hawley and Josh Hawley have three children.
Where do Erin Morrow Hawley and Josh Hawley reside?
Erin Morrow Hawley and Josh Hawley reside in Virginia.
How old is Erin Morrow Hawley?
Erin Morrow Hawley is 42 years old.

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