Dawson matches his extraordinary trial skills with active civic involvement and leadership positions with many legal and civic organizations. He was president of the Houston Bar Association when Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, he worked with others to mobilize lawyers all over Houston to provide much-needed legal help to the thousands of Houstonians impacted by the storm. Dawson has served as the chair of the Texas Bar Foundation Fellows, which gives out more than $1 million in grants annually to charities across Texas who enhance the rule of law and justice in Texas. He currently serves as a Commissioner on the Texas Equal Access to Justice Commission, an organization that addresses the legal needs of low-income Texans. He is a director of the State Bar of Texas and serves on the Texas Supreme Court advisory committee. He is also a member of the nationally acclaimed American Board of Trial Advocates, including serving as the president-elect of the Houston chapter. He is also active in a number of charities, particularly those who help individuals with developmental disabilities. While Dawson was president of the Houston Bar, he developed a program to provide jobs to those with developmental disabilities.

The Southwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League has recognized leaders within the legal community who exhibit a commitment to equality, justice, fairness, community service and for exemplary contributions to their profession. The Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award, named in memory of a distinguished former chair of the ADL regional board, salutes the outstanding civic activities of honorees and recognizes their continued dedication to the mission of the ADL.

Houston Firm Elects Two Attorneys to Management Committee