Deborah joined the firm in 2018 and has practiced family law exclusively since 2013. She handles a wide range of family law matters including divorce, custody and legitimation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, modifications, contempt and family violence actions and arbitration. She has been included in Best Lawyers in America in the family law category since 2021 and was named by the publication as 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for family law arbitration in Atlanta. In addition to family law arbitration she has been recognized by Best Lawyers for family law mediation.
After graduating from Emory University School of Law, Deborah began her legal career with King & Spalding where she represented large financial services firms, defending third-party subpoenas from federal and state entities. While she enjoyed this work, she had developed an interest in family law prior to law school, and after several years left to work for a small family law firm before joining Meriwether & Tharp, where she practiced for more than three years. Deborah finds it fulfilling to provide guidance to her clients while going through one of the most difficult times of their lives. She recognizes that each client has different goals and focuses her representation to meet her clients’ individual objectives and needs.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Deborah lives in the Virginia-Highland area of Atlanta with her two dogs, Sidney and Harper. In her free time, she enjoys running, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Gamecocks, Braves and Falcons.
EDUCATION
- Emory University School of Law, J.D., 2009
- University of South Carolina, B.A., Psychology, magna cum laude, 2006
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
- Member, Family Law Section, State Bar of Georgia
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Included in Best Lawyers in America, 2021-2025
- Named Lawyer of the Year–Family Law Arbitration in Atlanta, Best Lawyers in America, 2022
- Named a Georgia Super Lawyer, Atlanta Magazine, 2021–2024
- Named Rising Star Super Lawyer, Atlanta Magazine, 2018–2019
SEMINARS, LECTURES AND PUBLICATIONS
- Speaker, National Business Institute CLE, Advanced Family Law
- Co-Author, “Child Support Issues with Military Parents,” National Business Institute CLE
- Speaker, Emory University School of Law, Family Law Panel