Charleston School of Law welcomes you to The Journey, an exclusive series that celebrates the remarkable achievements of the 2026 graduating class. This series highlights our students’ unique path to law school, the challenges they’ve overcome, the experiences that shaped them, and the impact they hope to make in the legal profession and their communities.
From balancing family and careers to leading student organizations, serving the community, and excelling in the classroom, these stories showcase the resilience, dedication, and purpose that define the Charleston Law experience.
The Journey also honors academic accomplishments, reflects the school’s commitment to developing ethical, practice-ready attorneys prepared to serve with integrity and compassion, and provides a glimpse of the meaningful contributions they are poised to make in South Carolina and beyond.
We hope you will join us on The Journey. We are confident you will be inspired.
Like father, like son. Well, sort of.
David Hawkins (’19) arrived at Charleston School of Law in 2016 as a student after a long career in the military. After graduating, he began practicing family law.
So, it only makes sense that when his son, Matthew, crosses the stage at Commencement in May, he will follow in his father’s footsteps. The answer is both yes and no.
Matthew Hawkins, a soon-to-be second-generation graduate from Charleston Law, is excited to begin his law career, but his path and passion are criminal prosecution.
“Coming into law school, I wanted to do something that’s impactful on society,” said Matthew. “I was thinking about things that I could do that would serve and protect the community, getting justice for people who have gone through something horrible, like a crime.”
“That’s what most interested me about getting a law degree. I didn’t just want to come here and find another way to make a lot of money. You don’t need a law degree to do that. So that’s why I chose criminal prosecution.”
When he first stepped on campus for Orientation in 2024, Matthew was just as anxious as his 200+ new classmates. There’s no question that law school, especially the first days and weeks, can be overwhelming at times.
Students are often in a new city, seeing unfamiliar faces, feeling alone, and feeling pressure in a new learning environment.
“When I got here, I wasn’t quite sure if I would even pass classes because I thought this was going to be hard. Everything I’ve heard about law school is how much of a grind it is. I was fearful, and that was discouraging at first.” — Matthew Hawkins
But the community of peers, faculty, and staff at Charleston Law uses multiple resources to support law students and ensure a seamless transition.
“After getting into it, I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to,” said Hawkins. “It’s been a real confidence builder. If you put your head down, do the work, and listen to the people who are mentoring you — like professors — you’ll be fine.”
Matthew Hawkins began making connections with his peers and networking with the legal community. By his second year of law school, he was off to the races, working a summer internship at the Berkeley County Public Defender’s Office. The experience confirmed his passion to work as a criminal prosecutor.
During his 2L year, Matthew was competing in trial advocacy competitions and learning from his coach and Charleston Law alum, Daniel Cooper (’14), Managing Assistant Solicitor, 9th Judicial Circuit at the Charleston County Solicitor’s Office.
“His guidance was how to put on a case to a jury, keep things simple, and make sure you’re telling a coherent theory, and the evidence you’re admitting is aligned. That’s been the most practical, helpful advice on how to practice law.” — Matthew Hawkins
In addition to the Charleston Law network of graduates, Hawkins credited the wisdom and accessibility of the School’s faculty in learning the law. “Professor Chapman helped me learn the basics of giving an opening statement, and Dean Lawton, with her knowledge as a career prosecutor, helped me out with my upper-level writing paper. She was a great resource. They’re all very approachable. Their doors are always open, and they’re willing to help you with anything.”
Hawkins had the unique experience of combining classroom knowledge with experiential learning, providing him with a foundation for practice.
“The professors teach you the different rules of law, and you learn how to apply the rules in real life and practice in your internships and externships,” he said. “That’s been the most helpful learning, just through preparing for competition and seeing it come to life.”
The Irmo, South Carolina native said after graduation, he will immediately begin preparing for the Bar Exam.
Charleston School of Law will celebrate Commencement 2026 on Saturday, May 16, at the McAlister Field House on the campus of The Citadel. The ceremony will be streamed live on the Charleston Law website.
