G. Trippe Hawthorne

Trippe Hawthorne is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana attorney with Kean Miller whose practice focuses on construction development, dispute resolution, and commercial litigation. He advises clients through all phases of construction projects and related disputes, offering practical and business‑minded guidance grounded in experience with both private and public sector matters. Clients and colleagues value his collaborative approach and his ability to address legal issues with clarity and efficiency.

Trippe represents owners, contractors, engineers, developers, and other industry participants in matters involving design and construction contracting, claims management, and construction dispute resolution. His work spans industrial, commercial, public, and residential projects. He regularly assists clients with public bidding and procurement, public and private works lien laws, and construction-related administrative proceedings. His experience includes negotiating and litigating projects ranging in value from millions to billions of dollars.

In addition to construction law, Trippe maintains an active commercial litigation practice, representing businesses in complex disputes arising from contracts, regulatory issues, and commercial transactions. He works closely with domestic and international clients to identify risk early, manage disputes efficiently, and pursue practical resolutions aligned with business objectives.

Trippe previously served as General Counsel to the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors, providing him with an insider’s understanding of contractor licensing, administrative law, and occupational licensing issues. He advises clients on license classification, compliance, and enforcement matters, often under tight project timelines, and understands how licensing decisions are evaluated from within the agency.

Trippe is an active member of the Louisiana State Law Institute Council and serves as its representative to the Louisiana State Bar Association Board of Governors. He is the editor of the Louisiana Construction Law volume of the Louisiana Practice Series published by Thomson Reuters and served as Special Advisor to the Louisiana Law Institute Security Devices Committee for its Private Works Act Revision Project.

He is a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and chairs its Construction Law Committee. Trippe frequently speaks on construction and design-related topics, including contractor licensing, construction contracting and procurement, public bid disputes, negotiated contract provisions, alternative dispute resolution, and diversity in the legal profession.

Trippe is a member of the Louisiana Law Institute ADR Committee and is a Certified Mediator. He serves as an arbitrator and mediator with Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions and is listed in the Louisiana Civil Mediator’s Registry maintained by the Louisiana State Bar Association ADR Section. He is also on the Roster of Arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association and serves as the American College of Real Estate Lawyers’ representative to the National Construction Dispute Resolution Committee. He is a graduate of the NITA Advanced Trial Program and the Harvard Program on Negotiation Mediation Training.

Trippe began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable John V. Parker of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana from 1995 to 1996, where he gained insight into how courts evaluate and resolve complex disputes.

Outside of his practice, Trippe enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, participating in triathlons, working on bicycles, and supporting his church. He has received multiple awards recognizing his commitment to community involvement.