Billie Jo Guthrie

Billie Guthrie has spent more than 20 years working with people experiencing challenging life situations and fighting for social justice, first as a social worker and later as an attorney.

After more than a decade as a Social Security Disability attorney, including two years at her own firm, she joined Deuterman Law Group’s Social Security Disability practice in 2023. This allows Billie to focus on representing clients and expands Deuterman’s footprint to Durham.

Billie, who has a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina, worked in the mental health field as an administrator and social worker. One of her primary roles was as a policy advocate, fighting for legal and systemic changes to improve outcomes for disabled adults and people dealing with persistent mental health issues and homelessness.

As an attorney, Billie helps her clients navigate the complicated and often frustrating Social Security Disability system with compassion and empathy. She has a keen ability to connect with her clients and works hard to present their cases for the best possible outcome.

Billie, who grew up in Blacksburg, Va., graduated from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2011. As a law student in the evening program, she was a member of the Pro-Bono Law Program and Veterans Law Clinic. She spent a semester studying international law at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in London. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in social work from UNC.

Her previous legal professional experience includes Carolina Disability Advocates, a law firm in Durham. She also worked as a contract attorney for KARAMAH: Muslim Women Attorneys for Human Rights in Washington, D.C., and as a legal consultant for Stop Hunger Now in Raleigh.

During her career in social work, Billie served as director of youth and family services for the Mental Health Association of Orange County. She held a variety of positions and responsibilities with the OPC Area Program (now Alliance Health), as well.

Billie is active in her community and believes in the power of service to others, values that are important at Deuterman Law.

She is president of the board of directors of Threshold, a psychiatric rehabilitation program in Durham. She is a member of the Durham, Orange and Wake County SOAR committees, which focus on building access to mainstream resources including disability benefits for people who are experiencing homelessness. Billie is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, serving on the executive committee of the Disability Section.

In her free time, Billie enjoys volleyball and yoga. She lives in Durham with her cat, Brother, and her dog, Roxie.