Email: Cliff@DawkinsWarrington.com | Phone: 201.919.5458
Conflict Resolution, Litigation Strategy, AI & Emerging Legal Technologies
Clifford D. Dawkins, Jr. is the Managing Partner of Dawkins & Warrington, a published legal scholar, and a nationally recognized attorney, thought-leader, and sought-after speaker at the forefront of modern legal strategy. With a practice grounded in integrity, innovation, and results, Clifford works closely with individuals, businesses, and mission-driven organizations to craft cost-conscious, purpose-driven legal solutions that deliver measurable impact.
Clifford’s career spans litigation, arbitration, mediation, regulatory compliance, and executive counsel, and he has represented clients across a wide spectrum of industries—including government, financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, telecommunications, retail, construction, trucking, and technology startups. Whether in courtrooms, conference rooms, or community forums, Clifford brings a meticulous, client-centered approach that adapts to the urgency, complexity, and nuance of each case.
Clients turn to Clifford not only for his legal acumen, but also for his ability to simplify complex legal problems, de-escalate disputes, and protect long-term interests. He is known for striking the right balance between assertiveness and diplomacy, particularly in his work as a trained and trusted Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professional. In mediation and arbitration settings, he has presided over sensitive matters involving employment law, civil rights, and commercial disputes. He is also a sought-after legal trainer, equipping employers with actionable guidance on compliance, diversity, and workplace culture.
As a thought leader, Clifford stands at the intersection of law, ethics, and technology. He is a published author on legal ethics, higher education, and artificial intelligence, and is regularly invited to speak on these evolving areas of practice. He brings a forward-thinking mindset to every client engagement—particularly for tech-enabled startups and institutions navigating emerging regulatory landscapes.
Clifford’s commitment to justice and education is longstanding. He teaches law school courses in ADR and has held prestigious internships across the legislative (U.S. House & Senate) and clerked in the judicial branches of government (NJ Appellate Division). A recognized leader early in his career, he earned accolades including the United States President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award and served as president of the Student Bar Association at Rutgers Law School.
Clients and colleagues alike describe Clifford as a strategic problem solver, effective communicator, and trusted legal partner. His ability to blend academic insight, courtroom experience, and real-world pragmatism makes him a strong and steady advocate for clients facing both opportunity and adversity.
Clifford D. Dawkins, Esq.
Managing Partner
Why Clients choose Cliff
Strategic Mindset: Brings structure and clarity to the most ambiguous legal challenges.
Multisector Experience: Deep familiarity with private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Dispute Resolution Leadership: Trained and trusted neutral for mediations and arbitrations.
AI & Ethics Expertise: Advises on legal risks and opportunities in emerging tech spaces.
Educator & Advocate: Makes the law accessible and actionable for clients and communities.
Trusted Advisor: Known for combining legal rigor with approachability and trust.
Practice Focus
Complex Litigation & Conflict Resolution
Employment & Labor Law
Arbitration, Mediation, Private Settlement
AI & Legal Technology Advising
Workplace Investigations & Training
Civil Rights & Education Law
BAR ADMISSIONS
New Jersey
New York
COURT ADMISSIONS
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
EDUCATION
J.D., Rutgers University
M.P.P., Rutgers University
B.S., Cornell University
RANKINGS & RECOGNITIONS
Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” (2022-2025)
Super Lawyers Rising Stars “Top Rated Employment & Labor Attorney” (2020-2025)
NJBIZ “Leader in Law” (2025)
National Bar Association Top 40 Under 40: Nation’s Best Advocates Centennial Class (2025)
Urban League of Morris County Pathfinder & Difference Maker Award (2023)
Morris County NAACP Pinkman Heritage Award (2022)
The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Award & Top 100 Award (2019 - 2021)
National Employment Lawyers Council Fellow (2019)
National Bar Association’s Chairman’s Award (2019)
American Bar Association’s Men of Color Project, Innovator Spotlight (2019)
Morris County NAACP Master of Ceremony Award (2016-2020)
Morris County NAACP Appreciation Award (2018 & 2019)
United States President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award
Sydney Reitman Inn of Court (2017-2021)