Emily C. Dawkins
Associate Attorney - Omaha
Emily began her law career in 2006 after graduating from Marquette University Law School. Her experience spans courtroom advocacy, nonprofit work, healthcare leadership, and corporate legal work, all of which gives her a unique perspective on the diverse issues our family law clients face.
In 2024, Emily left her role in healthcare leadership and entered family law practice, focusing on representing survivors of domestic violence in litigation and clinic-based settings. She quickly fell in love with advocating for families as they navigate life’s most challenging and vulnerable moments.
Emily works hard to compassionately empower her clients to pursue the life they deserve. She is trauma informed and carefully provides clear guidance and realistic solutions to meet each client’s individual goals. Emily believes that when we replace conflict with peaceful collaboration, we create a better foundation for future co-parenting relationships and family dynamics, which in turn makes a lasting impact on our children and our communities.
In her spare time, you can find Emily playing board games with her four children, walking her two dogs, or lacing up her running shoes for a trail run.
Practice Areas
Education
Marquette University Law School, J.D. 2006
University of St. Thomas, BA Political Science, cum laude, 2002
Admitted To
Nebraska 2024
Illinois 2006
Wisconsin 2006
Learn what Nebraska protection orders can and cannot do, what happens when an order is violated, and how they can fit into a broader safety plan.
Wondering if you can appeal a family law decision in Nebraska? Learn what makes a case appealable, what the appellate court considers, and why the 30-day deadline matters.
A child’s wedding can bring unexpected emotions for divorced parents. From blended family dynamics to old tensions, keeping the focus on your child can help make the day what it should be: a celebration of the life they are building.
What feels like family is different for everyone. Estate planning allows you to put your wishes in writing, choose who will make decisions on your behalf, and ensure the people who matter most are protected, whether they are relatives, partners, or chosen family.
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, family law matters involve more than court filings and paperwork. Questions about identity, visibility, family, and fairness can add another layer of stress to an already emotional process. This article explores those realities and why affirming legal representation matters.
What does a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) actually do? In Nebraska, GALs are court-appointed attorneys who advocate for a child’s best interests—not their legal wishes—in Juvenile Court cases. This guide breaks down their legal authority, responsibilities, and the importance of their role in protecting children through each stage of a case.
In Nebraska, custody orders and child support often continue until a child turns 19, not 18. Learn what families should know during graduation season and major life transitions.
Summer schedules, vacations, camps, and childcare can create new challenges for co-parents. Learn practical tips for planning ahead, reducing conflict, and creating more consistency for children during summer break.
Protection orders can offer safety in difficult situations. Learn how they work in Nebraska, what to expect, and how to take the next step toward protection.
When parents disagree about a child’s gender identity, it can become part of a custody case. Learn how Nebraska courts approach these situations and what parents should know.
There are ways to put the right pieces in place so your children are cared for, no matter what happens. Learn how Nebraska parents can plan ahead with simple legal tools.
Dating during divorce can impact finances, custody, and strategy. Learn what to consider before starting a new relationship.
Divorce affects more than logistics. It impacts the nervous system. Guest contributor Pamela Mueri explores why so many mothers feel reactive or overwhelmed during divorce and how understanding the body’s stress response can create more steadiness at home.
Who claims a child after divorce? Learn how court orders and IRS rules determine dependency claims, filing status, and tax credits at tax time.
Start the new year with kindness toward yourself and others. Small acts of compassion create stronger families and communities in Omaha and Lincoln.
Settlement and trial are two paths in a Nebraska or Iowa divorce. Learn how they differ in control, cost, timing, and how to decide which option fits your situation.
Divorce often feels like the moment a story splits, when the life you imagined no longer fits. Drawing inspiration from Wicked, this reflection explores how divorce, choice, and starting over are deeply connected, and how the decisions made during the process can shape not only your next chapter, but the story your children carry forward.
Can you use ChatGPT for your divorce? AI tools can draft documents, but divorce involves legal nuance, enforceability, emotion, and long term consequences. Learn what AI can help with and where a human divorce attorney still matters.
Meeting with a family law attorney for the first time can feel unfamiliar. This guide explains what to expect during your initial family law consultation, how to prepare, and the legal options available at McGill Law.
Smart social media guidelines for anyone navigating divorce or custody cases across Nebraska and Iowa. Protect yourself before you post.
When divorce paperwork isn’t followed by estate updates, ex-spouses can inherit property or benefits never meant for them. Learn how to prevent the ghosts of old documents from haunting your family’s future.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn to recognize signs of abuse and find Nebraska resources for support.
Learn how Nebraska courts are reshaping custody decisions in 2025. Explore trends toward joint custody and collaborative approaches that keep children’s wellbeing at the center.
Divorce after 50 is becoming more common in Nebraska and Iowa. Explore the legal and financial challenges of gray divorce and how to protect your future.
Discover three respectful ways to divorce without stepping into court. Learn how collaborative divorce, collaborative mediation, and mediation can protect your privacy, dignity, and future. Serving Omaha, Lincoln, and Western Iowa families.
Jodie McGill shares how purpose, presence and connection shape McGill Law’s work in Nebraska, serving diverse families with empathy and advocacy.
Divorce can stir up intense “mom guilt.” Omaha therapist Lori Zoucha offers guidance on grieving, co-parenting, self-care, and finding the support you need.
Divorce can feel financially overwhelming. This guide offers practical steps and free resources to help women move forward with clarity and confidence.
Immigration court delays are leaving Nebraska families in limbo. Learn how backlogs are impacting custody, guardianship, and juvenile cases - and what families can do to protect themselves.
Adoption isn’t just for newborns. In Nebraska and Iowa, confirmation and affirmation adoptions help LGBTQ+ parents, stepparents, and blended families legally secure the families they’ve already built. Learn how adoption can protect your rights, formalize relationships, and provide peace of mind.