James Arthur Dawes (16 June 1866 – 14 November 1921) was a solicitor and politician active in south London. Born in Ealing, he was educated at Harrow School and Oxford University. He was admitted to his family's law firm as a solicitor in 1891. He became active in local government, and was Chairman of the Vestry of Newington. When the vestry was replaced by the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark, he was chosen as the first Mayor of Southwark in 1900-01. He held the post again in 1913-14 and 1914-15. He was a founder member of the Metropolitan Water Board when it was created in 1903.