Mr. Dawkins’ environmental practice includes conducting confidential compliance reviews and audits, encompassing all areas of state and federal environmental law and regulation. He advises clients in situations where environmental violations have been self-detected in these reviews and audits and advises clients on questions of self-reporting and the employment of best practices to reduce the future risk of noncompliance. He advises with regard to Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments and other aspects of due diligence in the sale and acquisition of property and the development of contaminated property, including Brownfields.

He has nearly 30 years of experience in the defense of clients in administrative, civil and criminal investigations and enforcement matters involving environmental permitting, regulatory and statutory noncompliance. He frequently works with consulting engineers, toxicologists and other experts, including experts in the fields of the fate and transport of hazardous and toxic substances into the environment.

In the area of internal investigations, most recently, he has conducted internal investigations of allegations of financial statement misstatements and insurance fraud. He often works on investigations with forensic accountants and financial statement auditors in the testing and investigation of fraud. He has several years of experience defending criminal federal income tax and state sales tax investigations and prosecutions.

Mr. Dawkins worked in public accounting for four years, principally in the areas of auditing and tax, and he has maintained his license as a certified public accountant since 1984. He has represented CPAs in professional liability cases, disciplinary proceedings and in civil and criminal matters involving allegations of violations of tax law.

Due in large part to his experience in accounting, auditing and the performance of internal investigations, Mr. Dawkins conducts systems reviews for the purpose of monitoring compliance with requirements of federal and state statutes and regulations, as well as compliance with best practices procedures implemented for the purpose of systematizing and maintaining that compliance. He advises clients on changes to practices, policies and procedures in order to improve compliance and avoid violations of statute and regulation. He regularly works as an Independent Review Organization conducting Arrangements Systems and Transactions Reviews for health care providers following the imposition of a Corporate Integrity Agreement.

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

Baker Donelson is made up of more than 30 practice areas seamlessly connected across 21 offices. Many have been recognized by Chambers USA as leading practices in their individual states. By offering a full range of business legal services, we can take a comprehensive approach to your legal needs.

Our unique approach to providing legal and policy services is enabled by our extensive support structure. As the 64th largest law firm in the U.S., Baker Donelson gives clients access to a team of more than 700 attorneys and public policy advisors representing more than 30 practice areas, all seamlessly connected across 21 offices to serve virtually any legal and policy need. We provide to our clients a global network of local counsel and other professionals, and have helped our clients take advantage of global opportunities in more than 90 countries spanning six continents. Clients receive informed guidance from experienced, multi-disciplined industry and client service teams. Our federal and state public policy groups provide sound policy advice and comprehensive tracking services, keeping clients up-to-date on critical legislative and regulatory developments. Our diversity and women’s initiatives ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for our people, perspectives and experiences. Technology helps us operate more effectively and efficiently by providing instant access to client-specific information and other key resources.