Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the addition of Dawn S. Holiday as a partner in the Houston office. Dawn brings to our Trial & Appellate Litigation practice group first chair jury trial, arbitration, and mediation experience handling multi-party lawsuits in the areas of commercial litigation, personal injury, employment litigation, and general liability defense.

“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on proving quality legal representation and risk-management strategies for licensed professionals and their organizations in every phase of the litigation process,” Dawn said. “I am excited to continue advising my clients with the robust resources and a first-rate team of litigators that Jackson Walker has to offer.”

With a strong focus on commercial litigation, professional liability, and personal injury, Dawn represents attorneys, accountants, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, healthcare providers, and other claims involving professional negligence, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and employment issues. Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Dawn served as a leader of the Texas litigation practice at her previous firm.

“We are thrilled to have Dawn Holiday joining our litigation team in Houston,” said Bruce J. Ruzinsky, who chairs the Trial & Appellate Litigation practice in Houston. “Having worked with Dawn on the Houston Bar Association’s Minority Opportunities in the Legal Profession Committee (MOILP), I have seen first-hand her strong work ethic and dedication to making a difference in the community. She brings an important perspective to the team and a world of experience for our clients.”

“Having worked with Dawn on the Houston Bar Association’s Minority Opportunities in the Legal Profession Committee (MOILP), I have seen first-hand her strong work ethic and dedication to making a difference in the community.”

In addition to providing top-notch legal services to clients, having recently received a master’s degree from a prestigious seminary in Chicago, Illinois, Dawn volunteers her time as a women’s ministry leader, author, and teacher at Crossover Bible Fellowship and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Northland Christian School in Houston. While working toward her J.D. at the South Texas College of Law, Dawn was an Articles Editor for South Texas Law Review. She continues to serve the law school as a Charter Member of the Black Alumni Chapter.

In 2018, she joined Jackson Walker partner Jorge A. Padilla as a Fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Through the yearlong training program, Dawn and Jorge have learned how to build high-value relationships with new clients and serve as a client relationship manager in the Firm. Upon completing the professional development series, Fellows are eligible to join the Fellows Alumni Network to help plan and participate in CLE, mentoring, pro bono, and LCLD Member development programs.

Recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers since 2012, Dawn has earned the respect of her peers in the areas of professional liability and appellate and civil litigation. She is a prominent voice on litigation matters, having written and presented on various professional liability issues.

“Dawn understands how litigation impacts a client’s business strategy,” said W. Ross Forbes, Jr., the firmwide leader of Jackson Walker’s Trial & Appellate Litigation practice. “We look forward to welcoming a seasoned attorney such as Dawn, who has tried and won multiple jury trials and who has argued and won multiple appeals.”

Meet JW

Founded more than 130 years ago, Jackson Walker has played a vital role in the growth and development of Texas business. With more than 350 attorneys across seven Texas-based offices, the Firm represents Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, major financial institutions, insurance companies, and a wide range of public companies and private businesses around the globe. The Firm is ranked nationally in 27 practice areas in the U.S. News’ “Best Law Firms” rankings, has 12 Chambers USA-ranked practices, and has been recognized as a BTI Client Service A-Team since 2014.