Dawn’s work as an effective and no-nonsense litigator has earned her a loyal following of national and Hawaii- based clients. Impressed by Dawn’s ability to get to the crux of a case, clients take comfort in having Dawn help them navigate them through the discovery, trial, post-trial phases of a case, as well any appeal. Her skill as a litigator as well as her track record with winning trial teams make her a client favorite. Dawn handles premises liability work for some of the largest retailers in the country.
Dawn is efficient: she has to be. As a mother of two boys involved in football and soccer, and as a volunteer and board member for several community organizations, she has no time to waste. That efficiency carries over to her work: she’s laser-focused on the most cost-effective path to reach the best outcome for her clients. Her clients appreciate that.
Representative Experience
Represented multinational conglomerate defending product liability claims against respiratory protection equipment allegedly used in work involving asbestos. Performed extensive work on discovery, motions practice, pretrial preparation, jury trial, post-trial motions and defense of possible appeal.
McCabe v. 3M Company, et al., First Circuit Court
Represented the 3D Systems in defending and prosecuting claims related to an agreement for the purchase of internet web domains. Performed extensive work on discovery, motions practice, pretrial preparation, jury trial, bench trial on damages, post-trial motions and defense of appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Barranco v. 3D Systems, et al., USDC Hawaii, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Worked on defense of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company in claim for breach of contract and bad faith regarding the handling and payment of a claim made on a title insurance policy, including discovery, dispositive motions, appeals and trial preparation. Prior to trial, a favorable settlement was negotiated.
Anastasi v. Fid. Nat'l Title Ins. Co, First Circuit Court
Successfully defended restaurant in action by franchisee for wrongful termination of a franchise agreement. The claims included: (1) breach of Hawaii's Franchise Investment Law, H.R.S. Ch. 482E, (2) tortious breach of contract, (3) misrepresentation, (4) unfair competition in violation of H.R.S. §§ 480-2 and 480-13, and (5) punitive damages.
West v. International House of Pancakes, USDC Hawaii
Civil Rights
Defended the City and County of Honolulu against claims of municipal liability arising from a police shooting. The claims included negligence, wrongful death, violations of state laws and civil rights claims pursuant to 42 USC §1983.
Thomas v. City and County of Honolulu, et al., USDC Hawaii
Defended the City and County of Honolulu against two related lawsuits arising from a police pursuit of a drink driving suspect. The claims include negligence, violations of state laws and civil rights claims pursuant to 42 USC §1983.
Garin v. Sumang, et al., USDC Hawaii; Lau v. City and County of Honolulu, et al., First Circuit Court
Defended the City and County of Honolulu and Officer Scott Valdez against claims of excessive force and violation of civil rights, with Corporation Counsel.
Ikeda v. City & County of Honolulu, USDC Hawaii
Tort Claims (Personal Injury/Premises Liability)
Defended Whole Foods against a slip and fall claim in its Maui store. The allegations involved application of mode of operation.
Lopez v. Whole Foods Market, Second Circuit Court
Defended Hawaiian Cement against claims by a truck driver that he sustained an electrical shock while working on the premises.
Opunui v. Hawaiian Cement, et al., First Circuit Court
Represented Macy’s in claim for injuries to a minor child resulting from a falling display rack.
Miller v. Macy’s, USDC
Defended Dave & Busters of Hawaii in dram shop action by a driver of a vehicle who was severely injured when his vehicle was struck by a driver who had been a patron at Dave & Busters.
Ganitano v. Oritz, First Circuit Court
Defended Whole Foods against a slip and fall claim in its Maui store. Allegations involved application of mode of operation. The case was successfully resolved prior to arbitration.
Souza v. Whole Foods Market, Second Circuit Court
Defended Target in a lawsuit alleging injuries sustained in a trip and fall in the parking lot and successfully obtained a no liability finding in CAAP arbitration, which led to a favorable settlement.
McMillian v. Target Corporation, First Circuit Court
Professional Recognition
Future Star
Forty Under 40
Related Services
Education, Admissions & Activities
Education
University of Washington School of Law
J.D.
University of Washington
B.A.
Bar Admissions
Hawaii
Court Admissions
United States District Court of Hawaii
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. Supreme Court
Professional and Community Activities
Punahou Alumni Association
First Vice President
FC Hawaii
Team Manager
Defense Research Institute
Federal Bar Association
Hawaii Chapter
International Association of Defense Counsel
Hawaii State Membership Chair