In any career, education is important, but experience is essential, and that includes life experience as well. After college graduation, I did not attend law school immediately. Instead, I clerked for a Supreme Court Justice in New Mexico and worked as a paralegal in a civil law firm.  Just before law school I worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines.  I honed valuable skills working with the public in that service industry, which has proved beneficial to both me and my clients in my law career. I am persuasive and communicate effectively with those who may ultimately decide your fate: the jury.  

I believe that an attorney-client relationship should be just that; a relationship. Having been more than just a student and then an attorney, I have the ability to empathize with my clients, which is so often overlooked by attorneys rushing to get a case disposed. I will work hard to prepare a zealous and winning defense for you or negotiate the best plea agreement, whatever is best for you in your particular case.

As a former prosecutor, I have a valued insight into how the other side thinks and prepares your case. I’ve worked as a Felony and Chief Misdemeanor prosecutor for the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. During my service there I trained and supervised countless new attorneys, handled over 3000 cases on the each court’s docket, and tried between 3 to 4 jury trials each week. Most importantly, I learned how to evaluate a case, which aids during my negotiations with the State and my preparation for your trial.

I am known for my aggressive approach which has served my clients well over the years. I have been known to receive case referrals from police officer’s who consider me one of the toughest attorney’s to be cross-examined by while on the witness stand.  I have the trial experience, the relationship with the State and Court personnel, the respect of my peers, and a reputation in the community that precedes me as being nothing short of a “bulldog” for my client.

Let my experience go to work for you!

Education

Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence, 2002

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Spanish, 1994

Experience

Assistant District Attorney, Collin County
Felony Prosecutor and Misdemeanor Prosecutor

Licensure

Admitted by the State Bar of Texas

State Courts of Admittance:

License to practice in all State courts within the State of Texas

Federal Courts of Admittance:

Texas Eastern District Court
Texas Northern District Court

Dawn Hedlund on left with Judge Mason - -Atty of the Year award. Highest # of pro bono hours reported. 88 hrs.

Awards

The Collin County Bar & Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas Annual Collin County Pro Bono Awards

Attorney of the Year award. Highest # of pro bono hours reported. 88 hrs.