John J. Dawson

John J. Dawson was a nationally recognized bankruptcy and commercial litigation attorney. A native of Binghamton, New York, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Siena College in Loudonville, New York in 1968, where he graduated magna cum laude, served as salutatorian and class president, and supported himself through work that included cab driving and police work. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1971.

While in law school, Mr. Dawson was recruited by Harvey Streich to join the Phoenix firm then known as Streich, Lang, Weeks, Cardon & French, later Streich Lang, PA, where he served as chairman for six years. In 2000, Streich Lang merged with Quarles & Brady LLP to form a national law firm. Over a 38-year legal career, Mr. Dawson built and led one of the largest and most sophisticated bankruptcy and distress practice groups in the country, developing a national practice serving companies in complex bankruptcy and commercial litigation matters, and served as National Chairman of the firm's bankruptcy and distress practice group for many years. He was a mentor and friend to generations of attorneys in Phoenix and elsewhere.

Mr. Dawson was a devoted supporter of his alma mater, serving on the Siena College Board of Trustees for more than 13 years and establishing a scholarship in memory of his parents; he was honored with the Dr. Egon Plager Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998 and the Bernadine of Siena Medal in 2002. He contributed his time and support to numerous charitable causes, including the Catholic Church, Capitol Elementary School, St. Vincent de Paul, UMOM New Day Centers, The Wellness Community and the United Way. Following his death, Quarles & Brady established a scholarship in his name at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and dedicated the John Dawson Room at its Phoenix office in his memory.