Robert E. Dawson is a member of Sands Anderson's Local Government practice group, the largest and most experienced local governmental law practice group in the Commonwealth, and is a member of the firm's business transaction team.  He focuses his practice in the areas of municipal finance, land use and development, and commercial transactions.  Robert provides advice on contract, economic development planning and promotion, procurement and bid procedures, zoning and land-use, and Virginia Freedom of Information Act issues.  As the city attorney for Petersburg, Robert served as the chief legal advisor for the City Council, City Manager, and City departments, boards and commissions.

Robert has extensive experience in corporate, venture capital, and public and private securities law.  He has served as counsel to issuers, investors and underwriters on a variety of public and private securities offerings.  Robert has also advised start-up companies on venture capital financings and represented acquiring and target companies in mergers and acquisitions transactions.

He is active in local government organizations such as Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Virginia Municipal League and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.  Robert also is a member of the National Bar Association and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

Robert serves on the Board of Directors of the Southside Virginia Red Cross, the Community Advisory Council for the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and was a member of the Leadership Metro Richmond class of 2008.