2022 Real Estate/Land Use Q&A

Lisa Anne Hawkins

Published November 29, 2022 by Virginia Business

Hawkins Law PLC, Bridgewater

Title: Founder/manager 

Other legal specialties: Real estate development and natural resource conservation

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bethany College; law degree, University of Virginia

Family: My husband, Lou, is a tall-tale-telling Texan who keeps me laughing. We are beyond proud of our three young-adult children. At my feet while I work is my “parabeagle” Tootsie (who often snores during Zoom meetings).

Favorite vacation spot: Despite great family memories of the Outer Banks, I have never experienced anything like the view of Machu Picchu between parted clouds from atop Huayna Picchu in Peru.  

Most recent book read: “Hell of a Book,” by Jason Mott

A significant amount of property in Virginia has been preserved under land trusts, which you’ve advised. Has it become harder or easier to set up such land conservation contracts in recent years? It has become easier and harder: easier in the sense that there is more awareness (also resources) now than 20 years ago when I was still explaining to landowners what a conservation easement even is, and harder due to the challenge of crafting perpetual conservation restrictions, which allow flexibility for evolving farm practices.

What is it like being an attorney in the Shenandoah Valley? Being a lawyer can be stressful no matter where you are. The valley offers myriad opportunities for restorative outdoor recreation and a culture of civility and civic engagement. Our diverse economy supports a sophistication of practice you might not expect. I still work hard and sometimes long, but most days see a bald eagle hunting the river. Somehow, that makes it all easier. And I don’t miss the traffic.

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