Emily L. Dahm Inducted as Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL)
October 2025 — Emily L. Dahm has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL)
What is the American College of Trial Lawyers?
Established in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) is an exclusive fellowship that honors the top one percent of trial lawyers across the United States and Canada. The organization is dedicated to advancing justice through the highest standards of trial advocacy, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Fellowship in the College is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the legal profession. Lawyers are invited only after a rigorous vetting process that includes confidential nominations and peer review by judges and fellow practitioners who have seen their skill in action.
A Lifelong Commitment to Justice and Compassion
Emily L. Dahm’s induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers is more than a career milestone; it’s a reflection of decades spent standing up for people when it matters most. For more than twenty years, Emily has built her reputation as both a fierce courtroom advocate and a compassionate counselor, earning the trust of clients, colleagues, and judges alike.
Her journey began at the University of California, Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law, followed by early experience at an international firm handling complex commercial litigation, securities, and white-collar matters. But Emily soon realized her calling wasn’t in corporate boardrooms, it was in the courtroom, fighting for those whose voices are often unheard.
That dedication led her to the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, where for more than eight years she defended thousands of people facing some of the toughest moments of their lives. There, she developed a reputation for tireless preparation, sharp cross-examination, and deep empathy, qualities that continue to define her work today.
- Over her career, Emily has tried more than 30 jury trials to verdict, achieving numerous full acquittals and outcomes far exceeding pre-trial offers.
- A Certified Specialist in Criminal Law (State Bar of California)
- 2024 President of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Emily’s experience spans everything from white-collar and vehicular manslaughter cases to violent felonies, sex crimes, and complex forensic evidence disputes involving DNA, toxicology, and digital data. Her analytical precision and ability to humanize every client’s story have made her one of California’s most respected trial lawyers.
Upholding the Ideals of the ACTL
For Emily, being named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers isn’t just about recognition; it’s about shared purpose. The ACTL’s values of honesty, civility, and professionalism mirror the principles that have guided her from the start. She believes that law is more than a profession; it’s a public service rooted in fairness, respect, and integrity. Whether she’s defending an individual’s constitutional rights or advocating for a victim’s recovery, Emily’s work reflects the same unwavering belief: justice must be both skilled and humane.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
Now joining a fellowship of the most accomplished trial lawyers and judges in North America, Emily sees her induction as both an honor and a responsibility. It’s a chance to contribute to a community committed to strengthening the justice system, expanding access to fair trials, and mentoring the next generation of advocates.
Her Fellowship in the ACTL stands as a testament not only to her exceptional skill but to her enduring compassion, a reminder that at Mirador Law, advocacy begins with empathy and ends with excellence.
Explore the legacy of the nation’s most respected trial advocates → Visit ACTL