Dawn Dickinson is a criminal defence lawyer and associate with McElroy Law.

Dawn graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law in 2021 and completed her undergraduate degree at Carleton University in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Law.

While attending law school, Dawn was an active member of the student body as the Communications Coordinator of the Criminal Law Students’ Association, Committee Member with the Common Law Students’ Society and participated in the annual Ottawa Law Classic hockey game in support of DIFD, an organization that advocates for youth mental health support.

Throughout her education, Dawn completed multiple internships with criminal defence practitioners in Ottawa and worked as a student case worker with the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic. While at the Clinic, she represented clients with Provincial Offences Act and Criminal Code charges.

Dawn approaches her files with her clients’ priorities top of mind. She understands the criminal justice system can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with it, and works to help clients navigate it, taking clients through the process one step at a time.

Outside of the office Dawn takes every opportunity she can to get out on the ice whether that be recreationally on the Rideau Canal or as a hockey referee with the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association.

Dawn is a Recent Call Director of Criminal Lawyer’s Association and a member of the Defence Counsel Association of Ottawa.