Dawson Kirkland

Dawson Kirkland is an attorney at Smith Anderson, where she joined in 2021.1 Her practice focuses on corporate and transactional law, advising public and private clients of all sizes on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, equity investments, corporate governance, and other business law matters across various industries.1

Background and Education

• J.D. from New York University School of Law in 2018 (Dean's Scholarship recipient)1
• B.A. with distinction from the University of Virginia in 20151

Professional Experience

Before joining Smith Anderson, Dawson:

• Practiced law at a large international law firm in New York City1
• Focused on advising private equity funds and their portfolio companies on domestic and cross-border transactions1
• Worked on acquisitions, divestitures, growth capital investments, debt and equity financings, and corporate restructurings1

Notable Work

At Smith Anderson, Dawson has:

• Represented a Nasdaq-listed bank holding company in a significant FDIC-related transaction1
• Advised on mergers in the clinical trial services and retail staffing sectors1
• Worked on acquisitions in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries1

Affiliations and Recognition

• Director on the Board of Directors for FoodRunners Collaborative (2023-present)1
• Mentor in the Women's Mentorship Program at New York University School of Law1
• Member of the Alumni Associations for both NYU School of Law and the University of Virginia1
• Former Editor and Academic Events Committee Member for the New York University Journal of Law and Business1

Bar Admissions

• New York1
• North Carolina1