On July 20, 2011, our firm and our legal community lost an exceptional lawyer, and consummate professional – Thomas C. Dawson, Jr.

Tom received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University, with honors, and his JD from the TC Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, where he was a member of the law review. Tom practiced with McKenry Dancigers Dawson since 1988.

Tom was a true trial lawyer. He tried literally hundreds of jury trials, most often defending indiviuals or companies that had been sued in civil cases. No defense attorney had more verdicts returned in favor of the Plaintiff where the jury awarded zero damages.

Tom lectured on topics including personal injury litigation, punitive damages, and insurance coverage issues. He mentored younger lawyers. Although litigation can, of course, be challenging, Tom was always the consummate professional and gentleman. Lawyers and Judges from around the State called and wrote to express that Tom was an excellent attorney, and an outstanding man.

Tom was completely genuine. He was kind, gentle and dignified. He certainly enriched everyone’s life at the firm.

We at McKenry Dancigers Dawson miss Tom, and feel his loss acutely. Words are truly insufficient. We do celebrate the opportunity to have worked with Tom, and recognize it was an honor and privilege to have known him. Without question, his influence on our firm and his example will be with us always.