
Introduction
Dawn Valentine is a litigator with over 20 years of experience representing clients in a wide variety of complex commercial disputes, including in connection with construction and real estate development. Dawn advises clients on pre-dispute evaluations and all facets of litigation, including at the appellate level in both state and federal courts. Dawn has advised clients on an extensive variety of large-scale contract disputes involving allegations of fraud, ERISA, class actions, false advertising, False Claims Act violations, copyright and trademark infringement, and unfair business practices.
My focus
I focus my practice on all facets of complex commercial litigation matters. I am particularly adept at fashioning early processes for practical, early dispute resolutions.
Construction and Real Estate Development
I represent clients in all aspects of contract negotiations, risk management, and construction litigation. My work includes disputes involving large commercial projects that arise both during and after construction, such as project delay, change orders, differing site conditions, contract disputes, and payment bond claims.
Complex Commercial Litigation
I have extensive experience both in pursuing and defending against fraud claims. I have litigated fraud claims against an agent that resulted in a directed verdict and successfully defended several health clinics against allegations of False Claims Act violations, including convincing the US Attorney not to intervene.
I have had primary responsibility for managing complex disputes involving false advertising, unfair competition, copyright and trademark violations, and contract disputes. I focus on devising assertive litigation strategies and using efficient and effective motion practice, and have a history of settling cases for waiver of cost or little or no financial participation by clients.
In the news
- Law360
Nixon Peabody adds real estate attorneys to SF, DC offices
March 13, 2026This article highlights the NP arrivals of San Francisco Construction & Real Estate Litigation counsel Dawn Valentine and Washington, DC Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Sandy Buchko. Dawn is quoted on why she decided to return to NP, and Sandy is quoted on why she chose to join NP. The article also mentions the recent arrivals of Corporate counsel Troy Lieberman, Private Clients counsel Susan Robb, and Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense counsel John Mulcahy, all of the Boston office, and New York City Corporate counsel Kelly Hathorn, a member of NP’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation team.
Admitted to practice
California
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Education
University of California, Berkeley School of Law, J.D.
Boston University, B.A.,summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, President's Award
Professional activities
- American Bar Association
- San Francisco Bar Association
- San Francisco Bar, LGBT Issues Equality Committee Member




