Bio
Debra has been devoted to representing clients in matters of family law throughout northern Virginia for nearly twenty-five years. She compassionately helps families navigate difficult issues such as child support, child custody, divorce, property division, premarital agreements, and spousal support. Debra focuses on negotiating and drafting agreements and regularly appears in court for motions and trials involving all aspects of divorce and post-divorce litigation in Fairfax Circuit Court and the surrounding jurisdictions.
Debra knows all too well the emotions involved when a family is embroiled in a legal dispute. She provides her clients not only legal advice, but also guidance and support so they do not feel lost or overwhelmed by the process itself. She communicates and discusses options with her clients through every step so together they can determine the best way forward in their unique case. This is crucial in empowering clients to make well-informed decisions about their future.
Debra has received numerous accolades from the legal community for her client-focused nature, professionalism with her colleagues, advocacy skills, and knowledge of the law.
- Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Attorney of the Day Program
- Pro Bono Service Honor Roll Member, 2023
- Rule 6.1 Society of Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Silver Member
- Virginia, 1995
- Pennsylvania, 1995
- University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., Charlottesville, Virginia
- Law Journal: Virginia Environmental Law Journal, Editorial Board Member
- Westhampton College, University of Richmond, B.A. magna cum laude, Richmond, Virginia
- Tier 1 firm in Washington, DC for Family Law by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2021, 2023-2025
- Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law, since 2022
- Virginia Business, Legal Elite in Family Law/Domestic Relations, 2020, 2024
- Super Lawyers, Virginia, since 2016
- Super Lawyers, Washington DC, since 2016
- Northern Virginia Magazine Top Lawyers Divorce and Family Law since 2022
- Fairfax Bar Association’s Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year 2019
- Virginia State Bar
- Bar Council
- Diversity Conference, Board of Governors
- Family Law Section (Board of Governors 2020-2024)
- Disciplinary Committee, 2006 – 2012
- Virginia Bar Association
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Governors, 2008 – 2018
- Past Chair, Family Law Section, 2008 – 2010
- Virginia Women Attorneys Association
- Past President, Northern Virginia Chapter, 2007
- Fairfax Bar Association
- Fairfax Law Foundation, Firm Fellow
- Prince William County Bar Association
- Resist/Refuse in Custody Cases: Thought Leaders Weigh In, Virginia Lawyer, Vol. 72, No. 1, June 2023
- Preserving the Record for Appeal for the Family Law Attorney, The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Vol. 26, No. 4, 2017
- Co-Author, Tax and Divorce: The Impact and Consequences of New Laws and Changing Trends, Virginia CLE® and VSB Family Law Section, 37th Annual Advanced Family Law Seminar, 2021
- Author/Contributor, Keeping the Pipeline Flowing and Employment Best Practices, Virginia State Bar’s Diversity Conference, Second Annual Forum on Diversity in the Legal Profession, 2019
- Author/Panelist, Keeping the Pipeline Flowing: Minority Attorneys Advancing Personal Success, Positively Impacting the Practice of Law, and Improving the Administration of Justice, Virginia State Bar’s Diversity Conference, First Annual Forum on Diversity in the Legal Profession, 2018
- Pretrial Matters, VTLA Advanced Family Law Retreat – Advanced Trial Advocacy, 2017
- Tax Consequences After the Divorce, Divorce Law: Common Mistakes in Dividing Assets, National Business Institute, 2016
- Effective Use of Illustrative Aides & Exhibits at Trial and How to Admit in Family Law Cases, The New Rules of Evidence in the New Digital Age, VTLA Annual Tort Seminar, 2015
- The ABCs of the PKPA, UCCJEA, Hague, and PKPA – The Alphabet of Custody Jurisdiction, FBA, 2014
- Ethics, Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2014