Barbara J. Dawson
Partner
Barb Dawson has a practice focused on complex business litigation and internal investigations. Her areas of focus in commercial litigation include class actions, consumer claims and business torts, tax disputes, and matters involving international issues and non-U.S. parties. In conjunction with her internal investigation work for publicly traded companies, Barb has experience with issues related to officer and director liability, derivative and securities claims, SEC and other regulatory inquiries, and corporate governance and compliance programs.
Barb is a co-chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group. She also is a primary contact for the firm’s Financial Crisis and Recovery Team, International Group, and State and Local Tax Practice Group. Barb has served as Judge Pro Tempore and mediator for the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Professional Recognitions & Awards
The Best Lawyers in America®, Bet-the-Company and Commercial Litigation (2008-2010)
The International Who's Who of Commercial Litigators (2008-2009)
Southwest Super Lawyers, Law & Politics magazine (2007-2009)
Top Lawyer for Complex Commercial Litigation, Arizona Business Magazine (2008-2009)
Athena Award-Business Woman of the Year, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (2009)
Greater Phoenix Attorney at Law Magazine feature story,
The Women of Snell & Wilmer (December 2009)
Forty Under 40 Award, Phoenix Business Journal
Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Lawyers Program
Personal
Born in Iowa City, Iowa
Professional Memberships & Activities
Lex Mundi
Board of Directors, Chair (2009-present), Member (2006-present)
Dispute Resolution Committee, North American Chair (2008-2009)
Diversity Taskforce Coordinator (2005-present)
Women and the Law Committee, Chair (2003-2005)
International Bar Association, Member (2004-present)
Annual Meeting, Program Co-Chair (2006)
American Bar Association, Section of Litigation
Commercial and Business Committee, Co-Chair (2008-present)
International Committee, Co-Chair (2007-2008)
Member of Leadership (1998-present)
American Bar Foundation (2005-present)
Arizona Bar Association
State Bar Convention Committee, Co-Chair (2006)
Legal Services Committee, Chair (1993-1995), Member (1991-1997)
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education (formerly known as Arizona Bar Foundation)
Board of Directors, Chair (2004), Member (1998-2005), Fellow (2004-present)
Arizona Tax Research Association
Board of Directors, Member (2000-present)
Community Involvement
Judicial Intern Opportunity Program, Sponsor (2004-present)
Homeward Bound
Board of Directors, Member (1997-2002)
Legal Committee, Chair (2000-2001)
Phoenix Public Defender Review Board Member (1994-1998)
Valley Leadership Class XVI Member