Dawn Estes

Business and Commercial Litigation

Dawn is sought by clients for her experience handling complex commercial disputes.

Her practice encompasses litigation in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration proceedings. She is recognized as AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and is noted for her strong courtroom presence and ability to manage high-stakes matters effectively.

In addition to her advocacy work, Dawn serves as a court-appointed mediator and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s National Panel of Commercial and Employment Arbitrators. Over the course of her career, she has presided over numerous arbitration proceedings involving significant claims and extensive evidentiary hearings.

Dawn is known for her collaborative and pragmatic approach. She works closely with clients to understand their goals and to develop strategies that resolve disputes efficiently, whether through litigation or alternative dispute resolution.

Dallas Theater Center, Board of Directors (2025 – 2026)

Texas Appleseed, Board of Directors (2018 – 2026)

Patrick E. Higginbotham American Inn of Court, Master of the Bench and Executive Committee Member

The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Women in Law, Circle of Leaders

Dallas Women Lawyers Association Foundation, Board of Directors (2017-2025)

Dallas Women Lawyers Association, Advisory Board Member

Dallas Bar Association, Member

Presidential Citation, Dallas Bar Association (2011, 2017, 2025)

Board of Directors (2016-2017)

Judiciary Committee Co-Chair (2012)

Bench Bar Committee Co-Chair (2011)

Attorneys Serving the Community, Member

Dallas Committee for a Qualified Judiciary, Member

Association of Attorney Mediators, Member

Litigation Counsel of America, Senior Fellow

Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow

Dallas Bar Foundation, Former Trustee, Life Fellow

Dallas Young Lawyers Association (DYLA) Foundation, Fellow

American Bar Foundation, Life Fellow

State Bar Committee on Administration of Rules of Evidence, Former Member (2008-2012)

Former Subcommittee Chair, Technology

Northaven United Methodist Church

Band Member, The Limited Partners

Breach-of-contract and breach-of-warranty claims

Negligence

Breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims

Asset purchase agreements

Force majeure

Trade-secret and proprietary/confidential-information misappropriation

Trademark and trade dress

Licensing agreements

Creditor’s rights

Website development contracts

Director and officer liability

Direct sales/multi-level marketing

Employee theft and fraud

Insurance bad faith involving disability and life insurance policies

Software and technology performance disputes

Product liability claims

Personal injury defense

Shareholder derivative actions

Tortious interference with contract

Negligent misrepresentation and fraud claims

Distribution agreements

Slander/defamation

Deceptive Trade Practice Act claims

Temporary restraining orders and temporary injunctions

Southern Methodist University

1986

St. Mary’s University School of Law

J.D.

1989

Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America

Lawdragon

2026

Best Lawyers in America

Best Lawyers

2026

Texas Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers

2026

D Magazine Hall of Fame

D Magazine

2024

Legal 500 Dallas City Elite

Legal 500

2025

Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators

Lawdragon

2026

Lawdragon 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers

Lawdragon

2023