Blake Jennings Hawthorne

Blake Hawthorne focuses his practice on government enforcement actions and complex civil litigation, particularly investigations initiated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state attorneys general, and other government agencies.

Blake has investigative experience across a range of consumer protection matters, including online privacy, consumer fee practices, and the deployment of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. He has assisted clients in responding to civil investigative demands (CIDs) and has managed large-scale document review and production.

Blake also maintains a civil litigation practice in state and federal courts. He has handled cases from pleadings through resolution, including fact investigation, motions practice, written discovery, mediations, and hearings, and has successfully argued a motion to dismiss.

Blake has a strong interest in how AI is reshaping legal practice and regularly develops AI-driven tools and workflows that help teams work more efficiently and better serve clients.

Blake maintains an active pro bono practice, which includes representing individuals seeking asylum in the United States and veterans pursuing military benefits, as well as supporting initiatives to help survivors of human trafficking.

Before law school, Blake worked at Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. His roles there spanned marketing, global financial planning and analysis, HR, and leading Burger King's U.S. product launch team.