March 27, 2026 (Santa Ana, CA) - Hawkins Parnell has promoted Courtney Lockhart to partner. Based in the firm's Orange County office, Lockhart joined the firm as of counsel a year ago.

Lockhart is an accomplished litigator with over 20 years of experience representing global corporations, small businesses, and private individuals in complex litigation matters. She has also served as in-house general counsel and on several boards, giving her a perspective on litigation strategy and risk management that spans both sides of the table.

Lockhart's practice covers commercial litigation, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, municipal liability, premises liability, and product liability. As lead counsel, she has litigated and negotiated settlements involving tens of millions of dollars in exposure and significant brand risks, with experience across federal and state trial courts, appellate courts, and all forms of alternative dispute resolution. Lockhart also brings a strong background in corporate transactional work, including entity formation, drafting and negotiating agreements, compliance, employment matters, and litigation management for privately held companies.

Outside her practice, Lockhart is an active advocate and volunteer for the Public Law Center Foundation of Orange County, where she works to promote access to justice for underserved communities.

About Hawkins Parnell & Young

Hawkins Parnell & Young is a national defense litigation firm that has represented many of the largest and most well-known companies in high-risk litigation and business disputes. The 250-strong litigation team works with clients to develop winning defense strategies and, if necessary, try cases to verdict in all 50 states.