Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

CRE January 2010

Henderson Economic Development Awards:

2009 O’Callaghan Public Sector Award

Judge Kent Dawson, U.S. District Court Judge

Judge Kent Dawson

Judge Kent Dawson knows how important a healthy business community is to a city – a lesson he understood at a young age as he observed his father’s work on the city council, as mayor and as a farmer in his hometown in Northern Utah.

That’s why, even as a U.S. District Court Judge with a lifetime appointment, he continues to actively support the Henderson business community.

Dawson moved to Henderson, where he still lives, to become its city attorney in 1972 after graduating from the University of Utah Law School the year prior. During that time, Dawson was instrumental in the creation of the Henderson Public Improvement Trust, an issuer of tax-exempt bonds. During his service, he represented the city in attracting Ethel M Chocolates, Levi Strauss, Breyer’s Ice Cream and many other businesses.

Infrastructure for the master-planned communities of The Lake at Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranch, McDonald Ranch and Seven Hills was financed with tax-exempt bonds during his tenure.

Dawson, who is admitted to practice in Utah and Nevada, was in private practice from 1979-95. While engaged in private practice, he focused primarily in civil law.

The Clark County Pro Bono Project recognized him for “Outstanding Contribution by a Law Firm.” In 1995, he was appointed Justice of the Peace for Henderson and subsequently elected to a six-year term. The U.S. Senate confirmed Dawson in May 2000 to fill one of the newly authorized seats in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.

Dawson was, for many years, an elected officer and director of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, having served as president and having received the “Member of the Year” award. He has also donated his time in the creation of numerous charitable and community organizations.

Dawson and his wife, Ruth, have four children and six grandchildren.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy