Debra is a dynamic lawyer and natural storyteller who has passionately advocated for children and families throughout her 30 year career. Debra is a Partner with the firm’s Indigenous Practice Group. She is a working with various Indigenous Governing Bodies and First Nations in recovering, revitalizing and drafting their child wellbeing laws in their reassertion of Inherent Jurisdiction over their children and families.
In addition to legislative drafting of First Nations’ laws, Debra also appears in various levels of court representing First Nations pursuant to provincial and federal child welfare statutes. She will also be working with First Nations in relation to unmarked burial investigations and other forms of investigation, employment matters, and other litigation.
Prior to joining Fogler Rubinoff, Debra was a self employed sole practitioner practicing criminal, family and child protection litigation, including high conflict and complex litigation. Debra has also represented children as a Children’s Lawyer with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer in family court proceedings and in child protection proceedings. Throughout her career, her clients appreciated her practical, commonsensical and purposeful approach with an emphasis in moving their matters out of litigation and into restorative family healing through alternative forms of resolution.
Debra has been involved as a volunteer with the Lawyers Feed the Hungry Program, serving breakfast to those who are hungry and in need of a hot nutritious meal. She also volunteered her time with the Flemingdon Legal Clinic providing pro bono legal advice and services. In addition, Debra has frequently presented seminars involving criminal, family and child protection cross over issues as well as being a member of the Cross Over Youth Project Committee with an emphasis in keeping youth in care out of the criminal justice system.
