About Us
Our Mission
At the Hawthorne Law and Public Policy Institute, our mission is to produce rigorous, nonpartisan legal research that informs policy, strengthens democratic institutions, and promotes justice and accountability in public life.
We believe that sound public policy is rooted in legal clarity, constitutional integrity, and inclusive dialogue. Through our research, programs, and advocacy, we aim to support lawmakers, scholars, and citizens in navigating complex legal landscapes with evidence-based insight
Our Vision
We envision a society where public policy is shaped by principle, guided by law, and grounded in the values of equity, transparency, and the public good.
What We Do
Independent Legal Research
We conduct in-depth analysis on pressing legal and constitutional issues that impact governance, rights, and justice.Policy Engagement
We work directly with policymakers to translate legal theory into practical, actionable reforms.Education & Dialogue
We foster open conversations between legal experts, public officials, and communities through fellowships, symposia, and public programs.Legal Publications
Our scholars publish research papers, policy briefs, and legal commentaries that contribute to national and state-level legal discourse.
Our History
Founded in 2018, the Hawthorne Law and Public Policy Institute was born from a shared vision among legal scholars, policy experts, and public servants to create a nonpartisan space for legal thought leadership. Initially a small collaborative group, the institute quickly grew into a nationally recognized center for legal analysis and civic engagement.
In the years since, Hawthorne has shaped public dialogue on civil liberties, judicial reform, regulatory policy, and more. Its researchers have advised lawmakers, submitted amicus briefs to federal courts, and contributed meaningfully to national and local reform initiatives.
The institute remains committed to its founding mission: to promote justice, uphold constitutional norms, and ensure that law serves the public good.
Leadership
Dr. Camille Everhart
Executive Director
EDUCATION:
J.D., Yale Law School
Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Chicago
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Former Senior Counsel at the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Visiting Professor of Law at Stanford University
Published expert in constitutional governance and judicial independence
Founding member of the Civic Legal Futures Collaborative
Dr. Everhart oversees the strategic vision, programming, and scholarly direction of the Institute.
Professor Marcus Delgado
Director of Research & Legal Scholarship
EDUCATION:
J.D., Columbia Law School
B.A. in Philosophy, Princeton University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
Lead author of the National Framework on Police Accountability
Former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Public Law & Policy
Guest lecturer at the European Institute for Constitutional Studies
Professor Delgado leads legal research initiatives and publications.
Dr. Aria Langston
Director of Policy and Public Affairs
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
M.P.P., University of Michigan – Ford School of Public Policy
B.A. in Political Science, Spelman College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Former Policy Director at the Center for Civil Justice Reform
Advisor to the U.S. Government Accountability Office on regulatory equity
Campaign leader for voter access legislation in five states
Member, National Council on Inclusive Governance
Dr. Langston drives the Institute’s outreach, advocacy, and policy translation efforts.