Founding Partner of Estes, Thorne & Carr
Dawn Estes is a founding partner of Estes Thorne & Carr – the largest women-owned law firm in Texas. Clients turn to Dawn when they need to resolve sophisticated business disputes or just want to catch up over a glass of wine.
They know Dawn is as comfortable in state and federal courts and arbitrations as she is being lead singer of her own band. An AV Preeminent rated lawyer, Dawn is widely regarded as an attorney of great stature- not only for her impressive track record in state and federal court but also because, well, she’s very tall—even before she slips on her signature stiletto heels. Those who’ve seen her in court say she towers above her competition, literally and figuratively.
Dawn can play tough, but she also plays well with others. She serves as a court-appointed mediator as well as on the American Arbitration Association’s National Panel of Commercial and Employment Arbitrators.
Her peers have named her to virtually every lawyer list out there including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America and Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas. She’s the class favorite of sorts, especially to the students of Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, where Dawn served as an adjunct professor. She received her graduate degree at SMU and her law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Always interesting and always interested, Dawn is the person you want to sit next to at a party.
Titles like business owner, attorney, arbitrator and instructor make for an impressive resume. Yet Dawn’s proudest accomplishment is being the mother of two teenagers. She would never refer to herself as a ‘super woman’ but those who know her best often do.