Alison Hawthorne

Alison “Ali” Hawthorne started her journey at Beasley Allen as a law clerk before being promoted to attorney in 2010. She focuses her practice primarily on complex litigation at a national level. In addition to representing clients in litigation, Ali assists with managing the firm’s Consumer Fraud and Commercial Litigation Section, which allows her to work with all of the section’s lawyers on the successful pursuit of their cases.

Ali knew from a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer, not because of family influence, but because she believed in the power of helping others. By sixteen, she was already working at a law firm after school, driven by a deep desire to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. That same passion has fueled a career marked by excellence: Ali has earned an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, was named Beasley Allen’s Lawyer of the Year for the Fraud Section in both 2014 and 2015, and appeared on the Midsouth Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list from 2016 to 2025. She was also selected for the Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum Class 13 (2017–2018) and recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers organization.

She has worked on many impactful cases, but one stands out as particularly meaningful. Early in her career, she played a key role in a series of complex, nationwide lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies that had been fraudulently inflating prescription drug prices, costing state Medicaid programs and taxpayers billions of dollars. These cases were not only legally challenging but also deeply personal for Ali, who was driven by a desire to protect vulnerable communities and ensure fairness in the healthcare system. Her work helped recover over $1.5 billion for the states and led to a transformative change in how Medicaid reimburses for prescription drugs, resulting in long-term savings for public health programs. For Ali, the experience was more than a legal victory—it was a powerful reminder of why she became a lawyer: to make a difference. Today, she continues to approach every case with that same sense of purpose, always asking how her work can help improve the systems that serve people across the country.

Outside of the courtroom, Ali is a dynamic leader in the legal community, having served as the President of the Montgomery County Bar Association and several different local bar association boards. Her extensive involvement includes roles on the Alabama State Bar Task Force, the Executive Board for the State Bar Leadership Forum Alumni Section, and the Faulkner Law Scholarship Committee. She has contributed to multiple task forces and committees focused on leadership development and the legal profession’s public image. A graduate of the Leadership Forum’s Class 13, Ali also serves on the Board of Directors for the Montgomery County Association for Justice. Nationally, she is active with the American Association for Justice and the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Executive Committee for Civil Plaintiffs. She was also appointed to Law360’s Consumer Protection Editorial Board.

Originally from Kennesaw, Georgia, Ali is now deeply rooted in her community and faith in Pike Road, Alabama. She and her husband, attorney Raymond James Hawthorne Jr., are proud parents to two sons and are active members of Saint James Church. Ali’s passion for service shines through her involvement with organizations like the Saint James Church Leadership Council, Pike Road Lions Club, Junior League of Montgomery, Les Dames, and Hope Inspired Ministries. She’s also mentored youth through trial team coaching and the Explorers Program. Guided by her values—faith, family, and work—Ali cherishes her role as a mother and finds purpose in giving back through church leadership.

Education

Ali earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Auburn University in 2007 and her Juris Doctor from Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2010. During law school, she was a senior editor for the Faulkner Law Review, a member of the Faulkner Law Board of Advocates, and a Knabe Scholar for all three years, graduating on the Dean’s List.

Ali was also active on her law school’s trial team. In 2009, she was recognized as one of the nation’s top oral advocates, winning the award for Best Opening Statement in a national trial tournament.

Licenses

• Georgia (2010)
• Alabama (2011)