Dawn Siler-Nixon has represented employers in litigating labor and employment law matters for more than 16 years. Her practice focuses on litigating discrimination and harassment cases in federal and state litigation, as well as union election campaigns, including preparing anti-union campaigns and appealing certification. She has handled trials in state and federal court, arbitrations and trials of representation cases and unfair labor practice charges involving non-competes, wage and hour violations, sexual harassment, family and medical leave issues, retaliation, disability, and discrimination based on any protected characteristic. Dawn has also successfully represented employers before local, state and federal agencies.
In addition, Dawn counsels employers in a variety of issues, including discrimination/retaliation in the workplace, employee terminations, the drafting of employment and separation agreements, and general employment policies and procedures. She also conducts internal investigations of employee-relations matters, as well as training sessions for managers and employees concerning diversity, harassment and EEO issues as well as anti-union campaigns.
Dawn is the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Partner with responsibility for the oversight and implementation of the firm's Diversity Strategic Plan. As the Firm's Diversity Partner, Dawn is a member of the Management Group and the firm's seven person Executive Committee, the firm's highest governing body that sets policy and compensation.
Dawn is active in the American Bar Association's Aids Coordinating Committee (1998-present); National Conference of Women's Bar Associations (President 2002-03, President Elect 2001-02, Vice President 2000-01, Board Member 1997-present); Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Past Newsletter Editor 1996-97, Constitutional Revision Committee Chair 1997-98, representative to the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations 1997-present, Board Member 1996-present); Hillsborough County Women Lawyers Association (1998-present); the Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association (1994-present); and the George Edgecomb Bar Association (1998-present).
Dawn is very active in civic and community organizations, including the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, the Association of Corporate Counsel, the Black Women Attorneys Network, the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, Seminole Heights Baptist Church, (Trustee Board 2000-present (Chair), Personal Committee 2000-present (Chair 2002-04, 2006-07), Haiti Mission Committee 1999-04 (Chair 2003-04)), the Women's Executive Club and the Women's Chamber of Commerce (Charter Member). She has spoken and continues to speak on numerous areas of employment and labor law, throughout the state of Florida and throughout the country, for various organizations and employers.
Recent Experience*
- Represented a large regional power company in a family and medical leave act claim. Also represented company in subsequent appeal.
- Acts as the Labor Relations Management Team for a national supply company, providing advice, training and expertise on labor relations and management issues in 2008-09.
Recent Publications
- "Ten Costly Workplace Mistakes to Avoid This Year," Association of Corporate Counsel newsletter, August 2009
- "Every Child Needs a Doll of Her Own," Diversity Matters, Hillsborough County Bar Association, November 2009
Honors and Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America – Labor and Employment Law
- Chambers USA: America's Guide to Leading Lawyers for Business
- Florida's Top Lawyers
- Florida's Diversity Council Promoting Diversity First
*Per Florida Bar rules, information on litigation and other legal successes has not been disclosed but is available upon request.