Debra has been devoted to representing clients in matters of family law throughout northern Virginia for two decades. She focuses on negotiating and drafting agreements and she 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. She compassionately helps families navigate difficult issues such as child support, child custody, divorce, property division, premarital agreements, and spousal support.
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 a number of accolades from the legal community for her client-focused nature, professionalism with her colleagues, advocacy skills, and knowledge of the law.
Honors and Awards
• Tier 1 firm, Washington, DC for Family Law by U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms,” 2021
• Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent
• Virginia Business, Legal Elite in Family Law/Domestic Relations, 2014, 2020
• Super Lawyers, Virginia, since 2016
• Super Lawyers, Washington DC, since 2016
• Super Lawyers Virginia Rising Stars, 2008
• Northern Virginia Magazine Top Lawyers (Premarital Agreements, Visitation Rights), 2011 and 2013
• Fairfax Bar Association President's Award, 2003 and 2009
Publications
• Preserving the Record for Appeal for the Family Law Attorney,"The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association," Vol. 26, No. 4, 2017
CLE Seminars and Speaking Engagements
• Author/Contributor, Keeping the Pipeline Flowing and Employment Best Practices, VSB'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, VSB'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
Pro Bono Activities
• Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Attorney of the Day Program
• Rule 6.1 Society of Legal Services of Northern Virginia
• Fairfax Bar Association’s Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year, 2019
Professional Associations and Memberships
• Virginia State Bar
- Diversity Conference, Board of Governors
- Family Law Section, Board of Governors
- 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
• Loudoun County Bar Association
