Barbara J. Dawson

Barbara J. Dawson is Firm Chair at Snell & Wilmer and works from the Phoenix and Washington, D.C. offices. Her practice centers on complex litigation, internal investigations, regulatory compliance, class actions, financial services litigation, and government enforcement matters. Barbara has advised Fortune 500 businesses and boards of directors on significant disputes and investigation portfolios. Her work includes highly regulated sectors such as financial services, energy, and education, while her listed services also cover manufacturing and gaming matters.

Barbara earned a J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law, where she served as Senior Note and Comment Editor for the Journal of Corporation Law. She received a B.S., with distinction, from Iowa State University and served as senior class president. Her academic background supports a practice that requires careful legal analysis, strong judgment, and an ability to address complex business, regulatory, and litigation issues across different industries.

Barbara has held substantial leadership roles within Snell & Wilmer, including leading the Litigation, Investigations, and Trials Practice Group, the International Industry Group, and the Attorney Development Committee. She has served on the firm’s Executive and Compensation Committees. Her international work includes matters involving non-US parties, cross-border investigations, and legal projects on six continents. She has also chaired the American Bar Association Section of Litigation and served in national judicial-review and governance roles.

Barbara J. Dawson has received recognition for commercial litigation, securities litigation, arbitration, regulatory enforcement litigation, and class action defense. Her professional service includes leadership with Lex Mundi, the American Bar Association, and legal-services organizations. Her pro bono work has included helping establish Arizona’s first HIV/AIDS legal clinic and supporting legal services initiatives. She brings litigation experience, firm leadership, international perspective, and regulatory knowledge to complex matters involving businesses, boards, and institutional clients.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
• Past Chair and Past Member, State Bar of Arizona
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Board of Directors, Past Chair, Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Foundation
• Member, American Law Institute
• Member, International Bar Association
• Board of Directors, Past Chair, Lex Mundi

Licensed State

• Arizona
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Iowa College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Iowa State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges