Stinson Strengthens Phoenix Labor and Employment Bench with Addition of Dawn Valdivia

06.01.2026

Stinson LLP is pleased to welcome Dawn Valdivia to the firm's Phoenix office as a partner in the Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits Practice Division. Valdivia brings more than two decades of labor and employment experience, including more than 12 years serving in senior in-house employment counsel and executive leadership roles at a Fortune 100 aerospace company.

Valdivia's practice spans complex employment and labor matters that arise across the full employee lifecycle, from day-to-day workforce decision-making to high-stakes disputes. She regularly handles employment litigation, labor relations matters, workplace investigations, wage and hour compliance and litigation, restrictive covenant disputes, reductions in force, and matters involving compliance with federal and state employment laws. She also represents employers in unionized environments in connection with collective bargaining, labor arbitration proceedings, and unfair labor practice matters.

Drawing on her in-house counsel experience, Valdivia is frequently engaged to help organizations navigate workforce challenges in a way that accounts for both legal risk and operational demands. She advises executive teams and human resources leaders on enterprise-level issues such as organizational change, compliance strategy, workforce planning, internal investigations and employment considerations arising in corporate transactions.

"Dawn's extensive in-house and private practice experience adds tremendous depth to our labor and employment team in Phoenix," said Stephanie Scheck, co-chair of the firm's Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits Practice Division. "She understands the realities employers and human resource professionals face because she has worked alongside business leaders at the executive level. Her experience further strengthens our ability to provide practical, strategic guidance to clients navigating increasingly complex workplace issues."

Valdivia's arrival reflects the firm's continued investment in its Phoenix office and growing labor and employment capabilities across the Southwest region. She joins a growing team that includes Tracey Holmes Donesky, who recently expanded her practice into Arizona and brings national trial experience in wage and hour litigation, and Elizabeth Chatham, who serves as a go-to resource for clients navigating complex corporate immigration programs and compliance requirements, particularly in fast-moving hiring environments.

"I am excited to join Stinson's growing Phoenix office and collaborate with such a strong labor and employment team," said Valdivia. "Having served as both outside counsel and in-house employment counsel, I understand the importance of delivering practical guidance that supports business objectives while helping employers manage risk and workforce challenges."

Valdivia earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and her B.A. from Arizona State University. Most recently, she served as Chief Labor & Employment Counsel for Honeywell's Aerospace Technologies business unit and Latin America region, helping balance risk and business objectives in a dynamic environment.