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Susan Louise Dawson

Employment and labor Attorney at Arlington Heights, IL

5.0   5 reviews

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About Susan

Learn Susan’s areas of practice.

I provide legal counsel to the closely held business owner, family run companies, entrepreneurs, and “Version 2.0”* companies regarding all aspects of their business. Together with my team we provide legal advice regarding business law, management side employment law, commercial real estate, intellectual property and litigation strategy.

 

My clients vary from emerging entities just getting established to large organizations with complex needs. Typically clients come to me when they are either emerging from the “start-up” phase to "version 2.0" of their business and have outgrown their current attorney or they are simply looking for a firm that is more adapt at today’s faster-paced business environment - one that is agile, adaptable and able to provide work on a scope basis so that there are no “surprise” invoices.

 

Whether you are just starting out or you are a sophisticated business owner that is focusing on your succession planning so you can transition into retirement, my team uses plain language in our contracts and our communications (so you don't need a J.D. just to talk to us). 

 

Regardless of where your business is today, the real value, the part that makes WPD different, comes from the level interaction, advice and problem solving we provide. That is a result of the in-depth working relationship we maintain. Our clients are not numbers. They are people with businesses and employees and we want to be an integral part of helping them achieve their goals.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 22 years
State IL
Status Active and Authorized to Practice Law
Acquired 2000
Updated 01/06/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Susan

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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  5 customer reviews
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Posted by Beth | September 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Susan Dawson of WPD and her team of professional attorneys have been with us every step of the way
As a small but complex business we have a variety of needs, from tax advising to HR issues to international law to protecting our intellectual property. Susan Dawson of WPD and her team of professional attorneys have been with us every step of the way. Over 10 years ago, Susan helped us craft our Series LLC Operating Agreement and helped us think through the strategic issues for the time while also helping us set up to handle our business needs down the road. Now, 10 years later, our business has added partners, expanded internationally, and provides professional leadership development programming and services to corporations and individuals around the world. All of that is possible because Susan thinks like a business person first – she takes the time to understand what we want to do, and then she applies her legal expertise to the how and helps us figure out how to make that happen. Having an attorney who knows your business and is creatively trying to help you achieve your goals is a must for any growing business. Susan and her team are that and so much more!
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Posted by Pat | September 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
IRES Audit
We hired Susan Dawson from WPD to help us with an IDES audit. She offered professional and legal expertise as she guided us through the daunting process of determining whether our team of caregivers should be independent contractors or employees. We are forever grateful for the excellent service she provided and I highly recommend Susan Dawson for any of your corporate legal issues.
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Posted by Neil | September 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated!
I’ve trusted Susan Dawson and WP&D for nearly 10 years now. They have supported us through my previous company’s rapid growth years and subsequent sale. With our new start-up, they continue to provide sage advice and guidance as well as strong contractual support. The team at WP&D have even helped our family with our wills, estate planning, trusts, and powers of attorney. They truly are partners with us on our family and business journeys.
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Posted by Lisa McChesney-Harris | September 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Experience
"I would like to thank the entire team for their excellent service and support in providing legal direction for our business. I have worked with WPD for several years and their overall undivided attention in delivering a great service exceeds my expectations. Several times I have used WPD, with the most recent need for the business to be recognized as a certified WBE with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. The attention to detail and timing to deliver results was executed quickly to assure a quick outcome. The staff is friendly, respectful and tireless in their efforts to assure great service and results. WPD is entirely professional in pursing the best interest of the company by providing great detail and direction. We appreciate the relationship that has been built and look forward to continuing this relationship in the future.”
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Posted by Joe | March 24, 2011
Susan Dawson is a big-city lawyer with a small-town approach!!!
Susan's (Sue) legal expertise has helped me considerably a number of times in the past few years. She drafted an LLC arrangement for me and my partners in an internet venture three years ago and last year she guided me through a partnership agreement with an associate of mine. In both cases Sue has provided sound legal counsel while completing the necessary paperwork in a timely fashion. She is always available to answer questions about the legal process (of which I have many...who doesn't) and offers advice in an objective manner. I have recommended her to a number of my professional contacts and will continue to do so based on the positive feedback that they have given me. If you are looking for an attorney who doesn't just "practice" law then look no further.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Waltz, Palmer & Dawson, LLC
  • 2008 - Present
  • Associate
  • Riffner Barber Rowden
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Associate
  • Marks, Marks & Kaplan
  • 2000 - 2006
  • Law Clerk
  • Marks Marks & Kaplan
  • 1998 - 2000
View all work experience

Education

  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2000
  • Ohio University
  • B.S.C
  • 1994
  • Ohio University
  • B.S.C
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • Giangrossi v. Anderson
  • Successfully defended lawsuit

Associations

  • National Association of Women Business Owners
  • Director
  • 2013 - Present
  • Arlington Heights Planning Commission
  • Commissioner
  • 2008 - Present
  • Northwest Suburban Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Northwest Suburban United Way
  • Legal Counsel
  • 2004 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
  • Board of Directors
  • 2018 - 2019
  • National Association of Women Business Owners Chicago
  • President
  • 2016 - 2018
  • NWSBA Business Law Committee
  • Chair
  • 2011 - 2013
  • Rotary Club
  • Member
  • 2007 - 2010
  • Buzz A Philanthropic Organization of Dedicated Professionals
  • Director
  • 2005 - 2016
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 2018 Top Ranked Attorney
  • Alm and Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Chicago’s Notable Women Lawyers, in Crain’s Chicago Business
  • Crain’s Custom Media
  • 2018
  • Best Labor & Employment Attorney - Illinois
  • American Institute of Legal Counsel
  • 2016
  • Enterprising Women of the Year
  • Enterprising Women Magazine
  • 2015
  • Who's Who in Business Law
  • Daily Herald Business Ledger
  • 2015
  • Member of the Year
  • NAWBO
  • 2014
  • 2009 Influential Women in Business Award
  • Business Ledger/NAWBO
  • 2009
View all awards

Publications

  • Waltz, Palmer & Dawson LLC Newsletter
  • Employer Beware – Strict Liability for Sexual Harassment by Supervisors
  • 2010
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Arlington Heights Chamber
  • Navigating the World of Women-Owned Business (WBE) Certification"
  • 2016
  • Concealed Carry, Medical Marijuana and Distracted Driving
  • Update in Illinois Employment Laws
  • 2014
  • Northwest Suburban Bar Association
  • Employment Practices for the Law Firm
  • 2013
  • Hiring Seminar
  • Best Practices in Hiring
  • 2013
  • NWSBA Business Law Committee
  • Non Compete Agreements in the wake of Reliable Fire Equipment Company v. Arredondo
  • 2012
  • NWSBA Business Law Committee Seminar
  • Asset Protection Strategies
  • 2010
  • Navigating Workers Compensation - What the Employer should know
  • Workers Compensation from an Employment Law Perspective
  • 2010
  • DS&P Seminar Series
  • The Social Media Phenomenon: What Employers Should Know
  • 2010
  • Business and Corporate Law Committee
  • Social Media and the Business Owner
  • 2010
  • Workforce Reduction
  • Workforce Reduction Risks and Strategies
  • 2009
  • Starting a Business
  • Starting a Business
  • 2008
  • ADP Open House
  • New Issues Affecting the Illinois Employer
  • 2008
  • Starting A Business
  • Starting A Business
  • 2007
  • NWSBA Business Law Committee Seminar
  • Corporation or LLC, a practical guide to these entities
  • 2007
  • ADP Best Practices in Managing Compliance Issues Seminar Series
  • Preparing for the No Match Rule
  • 2007
  • ADP Best Practices in Managing Compliance Issues Seminar Series
  • Employee Classification Act: Company Employee or 1099?
  • 2007
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (10)
Endorse Susan
Business Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have had the privilege to work with Susan Dawson on several collaborations and her real world approach to protections for her Clients on business law matters is something every Client should seek when they have legal counsel. Not only does Susan see the whole picture, but she is thoughtful about the solutions and how they will affect the business as a whole."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Susan is a true visionary. She is a sophisticated, intelligent attorney that is constantly creating innovative solutions to her client's needs. I frequently collaborate with Susan on ideas and legal issues for my clients."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Susan has a vast knowledge of labor and employment law. She is a great leader and awesome practitioner."
Business Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Co-worker
"Susan is a knowledgeable and hard working attorney who is always looking out for her client's best interests. I highly recommend Susan."
Business Attorney | Jan 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Susan Dawson has a firm grasp of the law and how it applies to particular factual situations. She is practical, hard-working, and a pleasure to be around."
Business Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Reliable, knowledgeable, great with contacts."
Business Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Business Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Co-worker
"Susan Dawson provides her clients with exceptional, effective and efficient legal services. She is an experienced professional whose ardent advocacy for her clients makes her a standout among her peers. Susan is a skilled and aggressive negotiator and has an attention to detail which serves her clients well. Susan is extremely active in her community as a philanthropist and as a legal professional and she frequently is called upon to educate her community and her peers about developing legal issues. Her high level of community involvement and contributions to the legal profession has earned Susan much deserved respect in the legal community. Susan Dawson is an excellent attorney who I endorse."
Corporate and incorporation Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Co-worker
"I have found Susan to be effective, efficient and highly professional. She devotes her energy and intelligence to solve issues, prevent problems, and help her clients not only achieve but exceed their goals. In addition to providing legal expertise, she helps to guide clients in choosing other professionals to enhance their businesses. Clients rave about her expertise and cost effective legal services. I would recommend that you utilize her services for corporate, LLC, transactional and commercial work."
View more endorsements
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Corporate and incorporation
Employment and labor
Criminal defense
Estate planning