He has been a practicing lawyer for over 30 years,[3] and has also been the co-owner of a general insurance agency and an automobile dealership in the area.
[3] Hawranik was first elected to the legislature in a 2002 by-election in the riding of Lac du Bonnet (following the resignation of Darren Praznik).
He has spoken out in favour of reforming Canada's legal system, particularly in light of efforts by the Hells Angels to hire high-priced lawyers at public expense.
[5] Later in 2011, he moved to Alberta to join his wife who had been serving as dean of the faculty of graduate studies at Athabasca University for the previous two years.
[2] In July 2013, he was named chair and CEO of the Alberta Surface Rights and Land Compensation Board.