Cari K. Dawson
Recognized since 2009
Atlanta, Georgia
Practice Areas
Commercial Litigation
Insurance Law
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Cari Dawson is a creative problem solver, legal strategist and committed advocate. She chairs the Class Action Practice Team and has an established track record of successfully defending Fortune 500 companies as lead counsel in high-profile litigation nationwide. Cari has defended hundreds of class actions across an array of industries and regularly assists clients in commercial litigation, strategic counseling and crisis management.
In 2015, Cari was named one of the country’s “Most Influential Black Lawyers” by Savoy Magazine and a “Woman Worth Watching” by Diversity Journal. In 2013, the National Law Journal named Cari one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” for her work as lead class action counsel in the Toyota Unintended Acceleration MDL in California. Chambers USA has consistently named her one of “The Best Lawyers in America.” In 2014, Cari was named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in Georgia by Super Lawyers magazine and one of the “Most Powerful & Influential Women” by the National Diversity Council. In 2012, the John M. Langston Bar Association named her “Corporate Counsel of the Year,” and in 2011, The American Lawyer named her to the “45 Under 45” list of remarkable women lawyers.
Cari currently serves as co-chair of the Firm’s Diversity Steering Committee. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Commercial Law Section of the National Bar Association.
In 2015, Cari was named one of the country’s “Most Influential Black Lawyers” by Savoy Magazine and a “Woman Worth Watching” by Diversity Journal. In 2013, the National Law Journal named Cari one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” for her work as lead class action counsel in the Toyota Unintended Acceleration MDL in California. Chambers USA has consistently named her one of “The Best Lawyers in America.” In 2014, Cari was named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in Georgia by Super Lawyers magazine and one of the “Most Powerful & Influential Women” by the National Diversity Council. In 2012, the John M. Langston Bar Association named her “Corporate Counsel of the Year,” and in 2011, The American Lawyer named her to the “45 Under 45” list of remarkable women lawyers.
Cari currently serves as co-chair of the Firm’s Diversity Steering Committee. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Commercial Law Section of the National Bar Association.
Contact & Links
- Lawyer Page: https://www.alston.com/professionals/cari-dawson
Location
- One Atlantic Center
1201 West Peachtree Street, Suite 4900
Atlanta, GA 30309-3424
Education
- Harvard University, J.D., graduated 1993
- Princeton University, AB, graduated 1990
Bar Admissions
- Georgia, State Bar of Georgia
Affiliations
- American Bar Association - Member
- Atlanta Bar Association - Member
- National Bar Association - Member
Atlanta, Georgia
244 The Best Lawyers in America® awards
150 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
- Commercial Litigation
- Insurance Law
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Special Focus:
- COVID-19
Publications
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