About Dawn

Experience.
A 16-year veteran of complex litigation as a Partner with nationally-respected law firm Gardere, Dawn Estes will bring a wealth of legal experience to the bench, with a background in commercial litigation, Internet and technology litigation and personal injury defense, and a proven ability to manage and resolve sophisticated disputes from trade secrets to asset securitizations.

Expertise.
Technology law trail blazer who handles civil matters related to computer technology business including domain name disputes, trade secret misappropriation, software performance, cybersmear and e-commerce.

Scholar.
Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law who taught Law of the Internet and Law of e-Commerce. Panelist on the American Arbitration Association’s National Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators. Frequent author and lecturer on legal issues.

Dedication.
Co-founder and organizer of an associate mock trial training program designed to improve the ability, confidence and performance of young lawyers.

Volunteer.
Community leader who currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, Volunteer Mediator for Dispute Mediation Services, Member
and former Board Member for the Lakewood Service League and graduate of Leadership Dallas.

Republican.
GOP leader who served as Legislative Chair, Northwood Republican Women; Sponsor and volunteer organizer, Judicial Petition Signing Event, Republican Lawyers of Dallas; Eagle, Team Dallas; and Member, Dallas County Republican Party.

Lifelong Texan.
Juris Doctor, St. Mary’s University School of Law, 1989; Bachelor of Arts, Southern Methodist University, 1986.

Wife & Mother.
Dawn and her husband David have two children: Grayson age 6 and Kathryn age 20 months; and are members of Northaven United Methodist Church.