Debbie is well known for her $26 million dollar verdict against Ford Motor Company. After serving 12 years on the Court of Appeals Rules Committee, Deborah’s vast experience – with Motor Vehicle Accidents, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Deaths, Nursing Home Negligence and Slips and Falls has led to notable honors and awards. Deborah was selected as one of the Top Women in Law by the American Lawyer Magazine and has been deemed a “SuperLawyer” for six consecutive years. She has been “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” two times.
After Graduating from the University of Maryland Law School in 1990 with honors, Deborah became actively involved in a variety of organizations throughout the state including the Anne Arundel Bar Association, where she served as the youngest President in the organization’s history. Debbie formerly served as the first Female President of the University of Maryland Terrapin Club and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of Maryland College Park, Maryland Association for Justice Board of Directors, and Prince Georges County Bar Association Board.
Due to her involvement at University Maryland, Debbie is an avid University of Maryland Terps fan who also enjoys watching her daughter Whitney’s dance performances and helping out in her husband’s business, Compass Stone & Tile Studio.
Deborah and her partners take personal injury to heart—so when clients are injured or suffer a loss due to a car crash, medical mistake, neglect, or personal injury—Potter Burnett’s pride will be there with the legal experience, leadership and proven track record to represent them and their family.
Chosen to 2017 and 2020 SuperLawyers, Top 50 Women.
Chosen to 2020 SuperLawyers, Top 100 Women.
AWARDS
SuperLawyer (2007-2020)
Prince George’s County Bar Association President’s Award (2016)
CASA, Generous Heart Award (2016)
The Daily Record, Top 100 Women (2010 & 2015)
Anne Arundel Bar Association Trustees Award (2013)
Women Leaders in the Law, American Lawyer Magazine (2012 & 2013)
The Daily Record Top 100 Women (2010)
Justice For All Award (2007)
Anne Arundel Bar Association Trustees Award (2003)
Ed Shea Professionalism Award of the Maryland State Bar Association (2002)
INVOLVEMENT
Maryland State Bar Association, Budget & Finance (2015-present)
Maryland State Bar Association Board of Governors (2013-2015) (2017-2019)
Maryland State Bar Association, Executive Committee (2014-2015) (2017-2018)
Prince Georges Bar Association, Director (2017-2018)
CLREP Board Member (2015-2017)
University of Maryland Board of Trustees (2007-present)
University of Maryland, Board of Trustees, Exec Comm. (2012-2014)
Cal Ripken Foundation, Uncorked Committee (2015-present)
Court of Appeals Rules Committee (2000-2012)
Court of Appeals Professionalism Committee (2003-2007)
University of Maryland Law School Alumni Board (2007-2010)
President, University of Maryland Law School Alumni Board (2009)
Maryland Association for Justice, Board of Governors (2012-present)
Athletic Campaign Council (2006-2008)
Board of Governors, Maryland State Bar Association (2000-2001)
President, Anne Arundel Bar Association (1999-2000)
Anne Arundel Bar Association Trustee (1993-2002) (2010-2014) (2017-2019)
Anne Arundel Judicial Nominating Commission (1998-2002)
President, Anne Arundel County Bar Foundation (1998-1999)
Leadership Academy, Maryland State Bar Association (1997-1998)
President, University of Maryland Terrapin Club (2003-2004)
Co-Chair, Barristers Ball (2000-2006)
University of Maryland Terrapin Club Board Member (1999-2005)
CASA of Anne Arundel County Board Member (1997-2002), (2011-2014)
University of Maryland Alumni Association Board Member (2004-2006)
Co-Chair, Legal Aid Campaign Anne Arundel County (2002-2005)
University of Maryland Hall of Fame Selection Committee (2001-2002)
Mock Trial Coach, Northeast High School (1999-2001)
Board Member, Summit School (1998-2001)
Board Member, Ballet Theatre Annapolis (1991-1996)
CASA, Founding Board Member
PRESENTATIONS
2017 – Maryland Association for Justice – Case Debrief
2017 – REPTILE – MIST Seminar – Atlanta, GA
2016 – Prince George’s Bar Association – Jury Selection
2016 Maryland Association for Justice – Mock Civil Trial
2016 Maryland Association for Justice – Opening Statements
2015 Maryland Association for Justice – Auto Neg Day
2014 Maryland Association for Justice – Reptile
2013 Anne Arundel Bar Association – A Civil Trial
Anne Arundel County Bar Foundation (President, 2002); Maryland Bar Foundation
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
