Karen Dunn

Karen Dunn is a prominent attorney and partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where she serves as the co-chair of the Litigation Department. Based in Washington, D.C., she specializes in high-stakes trials, crisis management, and impact litigation, particularly focusing on cases involving civil rights and social justice.

Professional Background

• Current Role: Partner and Co-Chair of the Litigation Department at Paul Weiss since June 2020. In this capacity, Dunn has been instrumental in leading significant litigation efforts, including the successful prosecution of the civil suit against the organizers of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. This case resulted in a landmark verdict awarding over $25 million to plaintiffs harmed by the rally's violence.145

• Previous Experience:

  • Partner at Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP (2014 - 2020).
  • Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (2010 - 2012).
  • Associate Counsel to President Barack Obama (2009 - 2010).
  • Law Clerk for Justice Stephen Breyer at the U.S. Supreme Court (2007 - 2008) and for Judge Merrick Garland on the D.C. Circuit (2006 - 2007).

• Political Engagement: Dunn is also known for her role in preparing Democratic candidates for presidential debates, having worked with notable figures such as President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris.35

Achievements and Recognition

Dunn has received numerous accolades for her legal work:

• Named "Litigator of the Year" by The American Lawyer.
• Recognized as a "Star Individual" by Chambers and Partners in trial law.
• Featured as one of Benchmark Litigation’s "Top 10 Women in Litigation" and "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" .456

Advocacy and Impact

In addition to her litigation practice, Dunn co-executive directs the Paul Weiss Center to Combat Hate, which aims to address hate-driven violence through legal action. This initiative reflects her commitment to using the legal system as a tool for social change.24

Karen Dunn's blend of legal expertise and political savvy positions her as a significant figure in both the legal community and broader societal issues.