D.J. Dawson
Partner
Philadelphia
Professional Experience
A self-described zealous advocate for his clients and competent trial attorney, Partner D.J. Dawson handles cases in state and federal court. D.J. litigates a multitude of matters including but not limited too premises liability, products liability, directors and officers, and commercial motor vehicle liability, employment, dram shop, negligent security, wrongful death, and cases involving complex and significant exposer to insureds.
D.J. is an experienced in-house defense counsel handling claims from inception to trial in Federal and State Courts. His work as a litigator in over 500 arbitrations and 36 trials resulting in defense verdicts and extremely favorable outcomes for his clients. His experience ranges from analyzing litigation risk, conducting expert depositions, settlement negations, extensive motion practice, post-trial advocacy, and being a trusted resource for Complex Claims Specialists.
Before joining WCM, D.J. was Senior Attorney in Chubb’s Casualty Practice Group of the Philadelphia House Counsel firm of Bunker & Ray. Prior to joining Chubb’s House Counsel, D.J. served as in-house counsel for GEICO for several years.
Honors and Distinctions
D.J. volunteers his professional expertise sitting as an Arbitrator and Judge Pro Temp for the U.S. District Court of Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. D.J. also sits as a judge at New York Law School Moot Court Competition and the Dispute Resolution Team Negotiation Competitions annually. D.J. also volunteers as a guest lecturer at West Chester University’s School of Business.
While in law school, D.J. clerked for the Honorable Louis B. York, New York Supreme Court, Manhattan Civil Division. D.J. also competed for New York Law School’s Dispute Resolution Team. D.J. received upon graduation certifications in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Pro Bono Advocacy.
Professional Activities
D.J. believes in learning is a lifelong endeavor, and recently completed a certification in Artificial Intelligence Essentials for Business at Harvard University Business School.
Outside of his professional work, D.J. is the current President of Springdell Village Homeowner’s Association, Vice President of Parcel 1 Land Trust, and Trustee of Berkshire Lakes Master Association. D.J. also serves as a Board Member of the American Helicopter Museum. D.J. is a member of both the American Civil Liberties Union, American Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association, Chester County Bar Association and The Metropolitan Black Bar.
D.J. is a student of Kung Fu (Northern Shaolin Tien Shan Pai and Wing Chun), and an avid Cyclist who has raised money for multiple charities including American Cancer Society, Bike M.S., Eagles Autism, and Stand up for Cancer.
Publications
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Education
J.D., New York Law School
B.S. West Chester University
Certification, Harvard University Business School
Bar Admissions
Pennsylvania
Court Admissions
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Supreme Court of the United States of America