Ben Hawkins ‘20
Ben Hawkins ‘20
Where are you from?
Richmond, VA.
Where did you go to undergrad?
Virginia Commonwealth University.
What did you do between undergrad and law school?
I did a series of environmental fieldwork jobs, including a wolf study in the Canadian Rockies—I howled and collected hair and scat samples from dens. I also got an M.S. studying with pastoral herders in Kenya and worked at an environmental non-profit, the James River Association, in Richmond, VA.
What is your favorite kind of wolf? What makes a good wolf call?
A black Grey Wolf with golden eyes. The key to a good wolf call is really believing in your howl.
Do you have any pets?
I just got a hound puppy named Henri! Also, R.I.P. Oz 11/5/2017.
What are you involved in at school?
I play bass in a band called “The Gunners.”
How long have you been playing bass? How did you get started?
I have played guitar for 15 years, but because Read Mills and Ben Lucy are such excellent guitarists, I offered my services on the low end. I am officially converted to bass, and I am obsessed.
What song would play in the background of your life?
You Can Have the Crownby Sturgill Simpson.
What is your favorite part of being in The Gunners?
Being in The Gunners has deepened my connection to the Law School culture, Charlottesville, and, most importantly, with my fellow band members Leah Deskins ’21 (trumpet), Katherine Janes ’21 (vocals), Will Tucker ’20 (sax), Ben Bhamdeo ’20 (drums), Read Mills ’20 (guitar/vocals), and Ben Lucy ’20 (guitar/management).
What has been your favorite show thus far?
Every show at Crozet is fun, but especially Fauxfield with Special Guest Professor Kimberly Ferzan.
What’s your favorite song to play?
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrel. The bassline by James Jamerson is one of the greatest of all time.
What is your relationship status?
I am engaged to 3L Jane Riddle.
Tell us a little bit about your love story and proposal!
We met in our 1L section (A!), became best friends, I became her tenant/landscape technician, we dated, then broke up, then I asked her to marry me on the beach in Sandbridge, VA during a full moon rise. She agreed.
What are you doing after graduation?
I will be in the Technology Transactions Group at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati in Washington, D.C. and starting a band with UVA Law grads to play all of your weddings and corporate events!
Let’s do a lightning round!
Favorite food?
Broccoli.
Favorite place in Charlottesville?
Salvation Army on Cherry Ave.
Anti-Stress Hobby?
Learn a new song on bass.
Pet peeve?
Events with “Welcome & Introductions” on the program.
Catch phrase?
“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Petersburg, VA.
What’s one movie that left an impression on you?
Parasite.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with it?
Buy a bunch of ridiculous bass gear.
What is something at which you’re elite?
Dog sitting.
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bmh2gd@virginia.edu