Overview
As CSG Law’s first Chief Marketing Officer, Dawn Afanador built and leads the firm’s marketing, communications, and business development function, overseeing initiatives that support more than 200 attorneys across multiple practice areas and industries. She partners closely with firm leadership, practice groups, and attorneys to strengthen market position, enhance client engagement, elevate attorney visibility, and advance the firm’s strategic growth objectives.
With more than 25 years in legal marketing and business development, she has designed and implemented various strategic branding programs such as website redesign projects, business development training, educational and networking events, communications campaigns, and marketing technology initiatives.
Dawn has played a central role in elevating firm and attorney visibility through coordinated strategies focused on rankings, awards, thought leadership, public relations, digital marketing, attorney promotion, and website development. Her efforts have contributed to increased recognition across leading legal directories, industry rankings, and professional publications, strengthening the firm’s market presence and reputation.
Working closely with practice groups and attorneys, Dawn develops and implements strategic marketing and business development plans designed to expand client relationships, increase cross-selling opportunities, strengthen competitive positioning, and drive revenue growth. She has also designed and implemented systems to support business development activities, such as the firmwide client relationship management software which enables close collaboration between attorneys and practice groups, as well as training and coaching programs to help lawyers become more proficient in business development skills.
In addition to her marketing leadership responsibilities, Dawn has contributed to several significant firmwide initiatives, including the relocation of the firm’s headquarters, integration of lateral attorneys and practice groups, and expansion into new industries and markets. As a member of the headquarters committee, she collaborated with firm leadership and external consultants to ensure the new office reflected the firm’s culture, brand, and strategic vision. She also directed the internal and external communications strategy supporting the transition.
Prior to joining CSG Law, Dawn held senior marketing positions including Chief Marketing Officer and Marketing Manager roles at AmLaw 200 firms.
Dawn has been recognized for excellence in legal marketing, branding, and innovation. Her honors include the Legal Marketing Association’s International “Your Honor” Events Award, the Executive Women of New Jersey Salute to the Policymaker Award, national recognition in Marketing the Law Firm, and recognition for marketing innovation by Steve Adubato Jr. in You Are the Brand.
Honors
- Recipient, Legal Marketing Association’s International “Your Honor” Events Award recognizing excellence in marketing
- Recipient, Executive Women of New Jersey, Salute to the Policy Makers Award
- Marketing the Law Firm – ranked nationally among the top law firms for marketing
- Recognized for innovation in marketing in Steve Adubato Jr.’s book, You Are the Brand
Award Methodology
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Involvement
- Women@NJPAC, Marketing and Membership Committee
- CFO Leadership Council, Advisory Board
- Executive Women of New Jersey
Education
- Drew University (B.A.)