Mr. Dawson has tried thousands of cases, including over 500 jury trials in state and federal courts.  He has a general trial practice, with emphasis on criminal cases and employment law, though most kinds of civil cases are handled.   He has tried at least 25 capital murder trials, as well as criminal cases of all types, including sex crimes, drug trafficking, public corruption, assaults, murders, thefts, juvenile offenses, child abuse, DUI, etc. 

In addition to criminal law, Mr. Dawson also has experience in constitutional litigation, having filed numerous federal civil rights suits both for individuals and as class actions.  He has obtained six federal jury verdicts for police and fire employees against the City of Birmingham for First Amendment and Due Process violations.  He has also been the  prevailing party in litigation involving county jails, medical care issues for mentally ill state prisoners, family court detention facilities, voting rights, and police procedures 

Mr. Dawson has extensive appellate practice experience, with over 100 appeals in which written opinions were issued.  He has spoken at various legal seminars and continuing legal education programs.