Jeffrey D. Hawkins

Jeffrey D. Hawkins is a senior partner at Kightlinger & Gray in Indianapolis, Indiana, and a member of the firm’s Management Committee. He represents national retailers, hoteliers, and professionals in complex litigation and catastrophic loss matters involving bodily injury, property damage, indemnity, defamation, invasion of privacy, and legal malpractice. Hawkins also handles product liability claims and advises clients on estate planning and probate administration.

Hawkins earned his J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in 1996. He received two bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University in 1993, studying history and political science. His education provided a foundation in legal analysis, advocacy, and problem-solving that supports his work across litigation, professional liability, estate planning, and dispute resolution. He was admitted to practice in Indiana in 1996 and also practices before the state’s federal district courts.

Hawkins has substantial experience defending product liability cases involving alleged manufacturing defects, failure to warn, and defective design. His work also includes preparing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives and managing probate administration and related disputes. As a Registered Mediator, he serves as a neutral in personal injury, estate, and commercial disputes, drawing on his litigation background to help parties evaluate legal issues and pursue practical resolutions.

Jeffrey D. Hawkins is active in organizations including the Defense Research Institute, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, the Hamilton County Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, the Indianapolis Bar Association, and The Harmonie Group. He is also a graduate of the International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy and frequently speaks on litigation, professional liability, and estate planning. Hawkins combines trial experience, advisory work, and mediation training to address complex disputes and planning matters with practical judgment.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Partner, Kightlinger and Gray LLP
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Member, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
• Member, Hamilton County Bar Association
• Member, Indiana State Bar Association
• Member, Indianapolis Bar Association
• Member, International Association of Defense Counsel

Licensed State

• Indiana

Education

• The John Marshall Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Indiana University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)