John Hopkins-Gillispie wanted to be an architect when he grew up. “I was very big into Frank Lloyd Wright,” he remembers. But that all changed after his Ninth Grade history teacher asked him why he wasn’t considering a future in law. “I’d never thought about it,” Hopkins-Gillispie admits, “but that conversation changed the trajectory of my life.” Now, in his new role as Product Counsel at Appian, he credits that moment as the spark that set him on his path to a legal career and ultimately to where he is today. “It’s amazing to look back and think about how that one moment changed everything.”
After graduating from Marquette University with a degree in Political Science, Hopkins-Gillispie worked for former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. In that role, he was first exposed to technology regulations through debate around state cybersecurity law. He was particularly interested in how lawmakers were thinking through these issues. “I was amazed by the data that state governments hold about people, and how that impacts some of the most vulnerable populations. That’s what really sparked my interest.” As he began to pursue law school, Hopkins-Gillispie saw tech law as a way to merge his interests and passion. “Tech law presented this unique opportunity to blend something forward-looking and with a social justice component that is meaningful in everyday lives,” he explains.
As a law student at Georgetown Law, Hopkins-Gillispie took classes on tech law and served on the Georgetown Law Technology Review. He also prioritized externships and jobs in the field. “I was very intentional about trying to get as much hands-on experience as I could,” he explains. “I wanted to really determine if this is what I wanted to do, and I wanted to learn as much as I could.” Hopkins-Gillispie began his legal career at a firm where he specialized in data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. In that role, he got involved in artificial intelligence (AI) policy. “At the time AI didn’t exist as it does today, and was not something on a lot of people’s radar. It was interesting to have to make the case for why talking about AI policy was relevant to clients. I stuck with it, and then the AI boom happened and I’ve followed that path ever since.”
After working at firms, Hopkins-Gillispie moved in-house in 2023. The shift immersed him into the world of AI governance, deepening his expertise and expanding his interest in the area. This spring, he joined Appian as the company’s Product Counsel. “In my prior position, I was building AI governance systems for customers, but not getting into the weeds of the needs of the customer,” Hopkins-Gillispie explains. “I wanted to work on the ground and to build these systems. That’s what brought me to Appian.” His role sits at the intersection of advising on the product proactively, not just responding reactively. “I look holistically at what is going on across the company as it relates to the product and what might impact customers,” he says. Still settling into his new role, Hopkins-Gillispie is excited about the possibilities. “We know the harms and pitfalls that come with using AI, and it is rewarding to work on something that is very ripe and relevant, but with a focus on the humans that actually use these systems.”
This year, Hopkins-Gillispie is also stepping into a brand new role at the National LGBTQ+ Bar’s Lavender Law® Conference and Career Fair: co-leading the inaugural Advanced Technologies and Global Compliance Institute. “I’ve been coming to Lavender Law® every year since I graduated from law school,” Hopkins-Gillispie shares. “I return year after year because it feels like a big family reunion. You make great connections, and then we don’t get to see each other because we are all across the country. But, there is a week each year where we are all together and get to live in our joy as queer attorneys.” After a few years of participating in the Corporate Counsel Institute with a lens on AI and emerging technology, he is excited to lead the new Advanced Technologies and Global Compliance Institute, and looks forward to sharing cutting-edge programming with attendees.
When asked what advice he’d give to a first-time Lavender Law® attendee, Hopkins-Gillispie encourages attorneys and law students to meet as many people as possible. “Maybe our paths and stories are different, but we all share the experience of being queer attorneys and we know how difficult that is,” he explains. He also urges first-time attendees to push themselves outside of their comfort zone by exploring programming or events that are new, or even a little intimidating. “If you see a workshop that sparks your interest but isn’t in your wheelhouse, go check it out! You may learn something that relates to your practice area, or you may just learn something new. Go to the events in the evenings, and take advantage of the opportunities to make the most of a really widespread network. Meet people and learn, you never know when someone may be in a position to give you advice to connect you with a job!”
Outside of Lavender Law®, Hopkins-Gillispie is highly involved in the LGBTQ+ legal community on the local level. Driven by a desire to give back to the community, he became involved with the DC LGBTQ+ Bar Association, an affiliate of the National LGBTQ+ Bar, at a critical moment for the organization. “Membership was almost non-existent at the time, the Board wasn’t fully staffed, and there was just a lot of rebuilding that needed to be done after the Covid Pandemic.” While serving on the Board, Hopkins-Gillispie focused on rebuilding connections with local law schools, helping to create a support network for students while also cultivating future members of the Bar. In 2023, he served as co–Vice President, using that year to learn the organization’s inner workings, strengthen relationships, and establish sustainable programming while also improving financial stability. A year later, as co-President, he helped the organization navigate broader political and professional challenges, including reduced support for diversity initiatives. “It was our role to support local LGBTQ+ attorneys who felt under attack in their jobs, whether that was people at firms pulling back from DEI topics and not engaging with affinity groups, or federal employees suddenly facing unemployment and challenging work circumstances. We created a space for people to feel safe and to be their authentic selves.” Still seeking to serve his community, John Hopkins-Gillispie is currently running for the DC Bar Board of Governors.
The National LGBTQ+ Bar is grateful to count John Hopkins-Gillispie amongst its membership! If you would like to become a member, visit this link. We also invite you to join us, and John, at this year’s Lavender Law® Conference and Career Fair in Chicago, IL this July 13-15. Learn more and register here.
The National LGBTQ+ Bar does not endorse candidates in any election, and does not endorse any particular candidate for the DC Bar Board of Governors.