Monica Hawkins is a dedicated and experienced public service professional.

Monica Hawkins’ career spans over 23 years serving children and families with Franklin County Children Services in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Division and Juvenile Branch; over 10 years as a Child Welfare Caseworker and over 12 years as a senior trial attorney. Monica Hawkins legal skills are demonstrated by her extensive litigation skills, courtroom experience, witness and expert testimony and oral and written argument.

Monica Hawkins has served as an Investigator with the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Ohio where she was assigned to the Capital Habeas Unit and worked with clients/inmates on death row. Ms. Hawkins utilized her social work, trial advocacy, experience, and interpersonal skills, which aided in the development of trust and confidence of client, client’s families, and the victim’s family. Ms. Hawkins aided in legal strategy, evidence gathering and research. She is committed to ending the cycle of “from the cradle to the grave”.

Monica Hawkins possesses unique interpersonal skills and a multi-faceted perspective that are needed in the courtroom as a protector of justice, fairness, and integrity.
Monica Hawkins has worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor, and as law clerk in a Domestic Relations firm. She is also familiar with the court’s specialty dockets, has completed extensive training in interviewing skills with Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center. She has completed certified mediation training and has worked with a population riddled with substance abuse issues, mental health disabilities, violence, and poverty. Often in crisis, she has acted with diplomacy, human compassion, and mutual respect. Monica Hawkins possesses the judicial temperament necessary to effectively serve the public.

Monica Hawkins is a product of the Columbus Public School system, a graduate from The Ohio State University. She obtained her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Dayton, and she earned her Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. She has been involved in numerous community organizations and non-profits, and various ministries at Rhema Christian Center. She is the proud mother of one son, Dionte’ J. Johnson, Sr., a former Ohio State University football player, who is now a successful entrepreneur and community leader. Dionte’ and his wife Jessica have blessed Monica with 3 wonderful grandchildren.

Monica Hawkins is a devoted, dedicated, and diligent mother, grandmother and community resident. She has a passion to secure safe communities, preserve the family unit, protect children, and provide alternatives while preserving communal integrity. Monica Hawkins is a life-long public servant who possesses the education, experience, temperament, and skill set to serve in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Division and Juvenile Branch.