Deborah graduated from Colby College (B.A. Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1977) and the University Of Maine School Of Law (J.D. 1981). She served as Assistant District Attorney in York County from 1981 – 1985 and as Deputy District Attorney in 1985.
Deb began her career as a prosecutor beginning in 1981. Her experience in the courtroom during this formative period in her career engendered in Deb a passion for the courtroom and speaking to juries. Deb’s long experience in trial work has developed in her the ability to focus on the key issues in a trial and thereby to effectively advocate her client’s position. She entered civil practice in 1985 and her skilled ability with juries and to relate to them has benefitted her clients throughout her career. Deb has concluded numerous trials to successful jury verdict for her clients.
Thanks in part to her early experience as a prosecutor, Deb is very much at home in the courtroom and is highly regarded as a trial attorney by both the bench and bar. She was recently admitted into the highly selective American Board of Trial Advocates and is AV rated in Martindale Hubbell with a 5 out of 5 peer rating. Her trial practice is devoted to representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury claims. She also represents employers before the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board. Deb’s longtime representation of a self-insured major employer has brought her particular expertise in managing the special concerns of a self-insured entity. She is a frequent speaker on Maine Workers’ Compensation laws and related topics in seminars for members of the insurance and business community.
Deb has expanded her practice to include mediation and arbitration services. She has successfully assisted numerous parties to resolve their disputes by agreement and has a reputation as a skilled and effective mediator. Deb’s particular ability to connect with people from all walks of life enables her to work successfully in the mediation setting and obtain a high rate of resolution.
Deb is a past officer in the Gignoux Inn of Court and is serving a second term at present. She is active in the Women’s Law section of the MSBA and is past co-chair of the Carolyn Dube Glassman Award Committee. She is a regular participant in the Mentor Program assisting law students who are beginning their profession.
Outside of her professional life, Deb particularly enjoys time with her two sons as well as travelling, outdoor activities – especially gardening, boating and the beach. She is also an avid reader, movie buff and has travelled to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.