Dawn Estes

Founder – Estes Thorne & Carr

Dawn and her partners Jessica Thorne and Lori Carr made a splash in the Dallas legal community in 2008 when they left the world of big law and formed their own firm. They envisioned providing excellent legal counsel in an environment where teamwork and collaboration were the norm, and where diverse experiences and viewpoints came together to address their clients’ needs. Relationships and connections are their core values. Ten years later, Estes Thorne & Carr has grown to become one of the largest women-owned law firms in the Southwest.
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. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, 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 steps into her signature stiletto heels). Those who’ve seen her in court say she towers above her competition, literally and figuratively.

Don’t let her high-wattage smile fool you; she consistently beats the competition in complex commercial and technology disputes. 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. Texas Super Lawyers named Dawn and her partner, Carol Payne, as Top 50 Females in 2017 and 2018.

Estes Thorne & Carr is certified by the Women Business Enterprise National Counsel and a member of National Association of Minority and Women-owned Law Firms. In 2018, they were recognized as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report for their work in Litigation, Family Law and Labor and Employment. The firm represents clients from the Fortune 100 to privately-held companies and business executives, resolving critical issues with a client-centric mindset and efficient solutions.