Dawn Shive was born and raised in PEI. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from UPEI and received her CA designation in 1994. Dawn worked as a Chartered Accountant in PEI before relocating to Nova Scotia in 1996. She joined Patterson Law as their Director of Finance and Administration in 2004 and was an integral part of the firm’s growth and evolution over the next 10 years, resulting in her promotion to Chief Operating Officer in 2014. As COO, Dawn is responsible for directing the firm's business growth and development, strategic planning, marketing, human resources and corporate communications efforts. She oversees all daily operations of Patterson Law, which has locations in Truro, Halifax New Glasgow and Bridgewater.

Dawn is raising her two daughters; Olivia, 21, who is attending Acadia and Emma, 18, attending Dalhousie. Dawn, who played varsity volleyball for UPEI and is a regular gym goer, values a healthy, active lifestyle and has passed those values to her girls, who have attained their own successes in dance and volleyball. Dawn’s family also includes two dogs and two cats.