Employee Spotlight: Michael Dawson, ADR Manager (Atlanta)
Fri, Apr 25th, 2025 | by Miles Mediation and Arbitration | Employee Spotlights | Social Share
Key Work Traits: ADR Expertise—and a Sense of Calm
We can thank Todd Drucker, Miles’ chief revenue office, bringing Michael Dawson to Miles. Both had worked at JAMS in the past. Last year when Todd learned Michael was in Atlanta, and interested in getting back into the ADR field, he reached out to Michael — and Miles is far better off as a result.
As an ADR manager, Michael manages the business practices of five neutrals. His deep expertise in the legal and ADR fields and his attitude toward work help him succeed in this role. “I bring a calm demeanor and approach to every situation, and I also have a get-it-done attitude,” says Michael. “I think my sense of calm has helped me be successful working with the different personalities of the neutrals.” His ability to manage competing priorities at work has helped “his” neutrals build successful, thriving ADR practices.
Michael received his business administration degree from the University of California Riverside. (Fun fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger, then-governor of California, signed his diploma!) While Michael’s background includes working at JAMS and for major law firms including Kirkland & Ellis, he’s found he loves working for a smaller company like Miles.
“I love that we are growing but that our teams are smaller,” he explains. “We have visibility with the C-suite here and can and do collaborate with them. I love the camaraderie and the visibility we have at Miles.”
Away from the office, Michael stays busy with his four school-aged kids — Kameron, 16; Kaleb, 14; Kennedy, 10; and Kevin, 8. He’s also passionate about cars and learned how to drive on a 1971 VW Bug years ago. “I’m really into cars,” he says. “If there’s some kind of car show, I’m there. If one of my friends wants to buy a car, I do all kinds of research on it. I’m the ‘car guru.’” Michael also loves to travel — he’s even been to a volcano in Costa Rica — and wants to visit Europe and Africa one day.
Whether at work or with his family and friends, Michael’s philosophy is simple — people remember how you made them feel, and they remember the time you spent with them. That attitude, and his ADR expertise, have made him an invaluable asset to Miles.
ABOUT MILES MEDIATION & ARBITRATION
Miles Mediation & Arbitration is shaping the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) industry with our comprehensive professional services model that combines the expertise of our highly skilled, diverse panel of neutrals with an unparalleled level of client support to guide and empower parties to fair, timely, and cost-effective resolution regardless of case size, specialization, or complexity. For more information, please call 888-305-3553 or email support@milesadr.com.