Dawn T. Christen – Senior Associate
“When I was in 8th grade at a small Catholic school, there was a boy in my class who was somewhat of a bully. We had uniforms, which included a white blouse. This boy thought it was funny to use his invisible ink pen to spray the front of the girls white shirt, of course aiming for the breast area, an act that the girls did not find very amusing. Although he got in trouble through school, he did not stop his antics. So after school one day, I thought I should teach him a lesson, and beat him up. Thankfully he was also somewhat of a gentleman and did not retaliate, but notably he stopped his antics.
At a young age, I learned that it was important to stand up for what was right and to help those that need it. As an attorney with the legal services plan, I am able to help people who would not be able to get legal help anywhere else. In our everyday lives we encounter situations where legal advice is necessary, but many people cannot afford to pay an attorney an hourly fee for that assistance. Through the legal service plan, I am able to help people get legal assistance they need, without charging them hourly fee for every consultation.”
Dawn began her career at GTB&S in 2001. She practices in the Labor section and is well known to many union members through our Group Legal Services program. Through GLS, Dawn provides valued General Practice services such as Estate Planning, Unemployment Compensation, Real Estate and Employment law to members.
Board Service and Community Involvement:
- Hannah’s Socks, Board President
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Board Member 2008-present; Executive Committee, Government Relations Chair 2009-2010; Walk to Cure Diabetes, Family Team Captain 2005-2009, successfully raising up to $10,000.00 for the walk.
- Ohio State and Toledo Bar Association, 2001-present
- Ohio and Toledo Academy of Trial Lawyers, 2004-2007
- Toledo Employment Lawyers Association; 2001-2004, Chair 2003, 2004
- National and Ohio Employment Lawyers Association, 2001-2004
- The Management Forum of Northwest Ohio; Member 1995 – 2000; President, 1998; Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Committee 1998; President Elect 1997.
- Toledo Area Human Resource Association, Executive Committee Member 1997; Member 1995-1998; Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Designation 1995
- Mobile Meals, Volunteer 2001-present
- Sylvania Franciscan Academy, Auction Co-Chair 2003, 2004; Auction Catalog Committee Chair 2002-2004; Committee Member 2001-2006
- American Heart Association, Heart Walk, annual participant, 2006 – present
- Milestones: A Tribute to Women, Steering Committee 1998, 1999; Reservations Committee 1999
- Children’s Rights Council, Volunteer 2001
Academic background:
- University of Toledo College of Law, Toledo, Ohio; J.D. cum laude, 2001; Moot Court Fornoff Competition Best Oralist and Solicitor
- University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio BBA 1995; Major: Human Resource Management
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
