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Deborah Lynne Greene

Divorce and separation Attorney at Jacksonville, FL

5.0   29 reviews
  • Licensed for 31 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Deborah

Learn Deborah’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    35%

  2. Child custody
    25%

  3. Family
    25%

  4. Child support
    10%

  5. Adoption
    5%
    Our firm handles step-parent adoptions and consented to family member adoptions.

INTELLIGENT REPRESENTATION | INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION | INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Deborah was born in 1963, in DeLand, Florida. Deborah has also lived in Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Virginia; Alabama; and Tallahassee, Florida. Deborah's family has lived in Jacksonville, and the Northeast Florida area since before the civil war.  Deborah is married to her law partner, Steven P. Combs and they have two children.

 

Deborah graduated from Wolfson High School in Jacksonville in 1981, after which she attended her first year of college at Lynchburg College in Virginia, where she was a Montgomery Scholar and was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma Academic Honor Society. After graduating with a degree in Studio Art from Florida State University in 1985, Deborah worked in advertising and as a graphic artist until she began attending law school in 1988.  In 1991, Deborah received her Juris Doctor, with high honors, from the Florida State University College of Law (graduating in the top 10% of her class).  

 

While obtaining her education (from high school all the way through law school), Deborah always worked, including waiting tables at the famous Beach Road Chicken Dinners in Jacksonville, Florida, teaching piano lessons, working as a secretary, and playing the piano in the piano bar at the Tallahassee Hilton Hotel.   

 

Deborah grew up as a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) when it was still downtown and she participated (as a youth board member) in the historic debate and vote which ultimately led to its relocation to Mandarin, where it is still located.  Deborah was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she lived between attending college and law school.  Deborah was also a member of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she served on the Board and Diaconate and as an adult Sunday School teacher.  Deborah and Steve were on the Board of Central Christian Church when it merged with Eastside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (a predominantly African American congregation), and when its name was changed to Springfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Deborah has also been a youth sponsor, youth Sunday School teacher, church camp counselor, and the pianist for Sunday services.  Deborah and her husband, Steve, are currently members and serve as Deacons at Riverside Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in Jacksonville, Florida.  

 

Deborah still enjoys playing the piano and composing music (both the melodies and lyrics), and she also enjoys interior decorating.  She has not only decorated her own home, but she also helps her friends decorate their homes, as well.  Deborah and her husband, and law partner, Steven, also enjoy reading books together, attending movies together, and traveling (both at home and abroad).

 

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2015,2013,2012
Client's Choice
2015 2013 2012

Contact Deborah

Combs Greene
3217 Atlantic Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL, 32207

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  29 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2015
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Alexis vazquez | July 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
By far the best attorney in Jacksonville
I had the pleasure of meeting Deborah about nine years ago through a litigious child custody case. She was instrumental in getting me 50-50 custody of my child. Mind you, during that time frame it was extremely rare to have 50-50. From day one she asked important questions and took the time to understand my case. I can’t thank Deborah enough for helping me through that time and I needed someone to guide me and help me with my son. I referred several friends and colleagues to her and all have had wonderful things to say about her. She is a excellent attorney and I would give her 6 Stars if I could.
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Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Attorney
Deborah is one of the best attorney's that I have witnessed. She is very detailed and knowledgeable. She is not afraid of hard work or taking difficult cases. She does exactly what she says she will do. She is amazing, I would highly recommend her.
Posted by Ryan | September 8, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Deb did an amazing job. She worked with me during an extremely stressful time in my life. She made everything as easy as possible. Deb and her team were extremely professional and organized. They made sure I was well informed and prepared throughout my case. I always felt like they were one step ahead. It was really reassuring and reduced any potential additional stress on me. I highly recommend Deb and her team.
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Posted by James | September 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Deborah saved my case
Deborah and Andrea picked up my case after it had been poorly handled for over a year. She immediately answered my questions about why my case was not settling and focused me on the things that mattered. Her team found and applied recent statute changes that literally saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars. My representation cost far less than what they saved me. Her and her team took my case all the way to trial while also crafting multiple settlement offers that the other side was too dumb to accept. I will not hesitate to recommend her.
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Posted by Steven | December 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding From Consult to Closure
From my first conversation with Ms. Green, right up until the final hearing she was thorough, professional (which was understandably difficult at times given communication from the opposing counsel), and well thought out. Always well prepared, I was kept well informed of what the process would be and what I should expect. Ms. Green made a difficult process as easy as possible and worked hard to get the best possible outcome. I also found her to be mindful of costs, and help weigh the value, versus the return of various legal options. Highly recommended.
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Posted by Michele | August 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Family Law Attorney
Deborah Greene has represented me for several years in a post divorce litigation filed with complexity. I can say with complete confidence that Deborah and her team have represented me with the upmost integrity and have fought diligently on behalf. I have worked with several different lawyers over the course of the past 7 years and I can say that Deborah takes the time to understand what her clients are going through and does an excellent job of balancing the emotional aspect while thoroughly explaining the law in a manner that her clients can understand. There are not many things in life that compare to the stress of going through a divorce that continues for years, but Deborah and her team make it much easier. If you are looking for a lawyer that practices with integrity and will have your back no matter the fight then Deborah Greene is the lawyer for you.
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Posted by Len | January 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney and Great Staff
Deb and her staff did a great job with my divorce. She is a great attorney and extremely knowledgeable. Her staff is very professional and always responded to my phone calls and emails immediately. Deb is without a doubt one of the top two or three Family lawyers in Northeast Florida.
Posted by Craig | January 23, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best - consummate professional - Divorce
Deborah and her Team did an outstanding job getting me through a very complicated divorce proceeding. I got exactly the outcome that I had asked for from day #1. Fair, honest, deliberate, tough, but also compassionate. she's a WINNER!
Posted by Stephen | August 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
Deborah has represented me personally in several cases and in each and every case she has delivered positive outcomes. The more impressive thing is how she does it. Deborah and her team show up every single day to work and they do it with highest level of professionalism. I have never reached out to Deborah and did not get a response within a hour. This includes when she was out of the Country on vacation. Deborah not only advocates on your behalf. She educates you on your case so you truly understand the decisions that you are making. She is always prepared and does her homework. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing that your lawyer actually cares about your case then them putting the time and effort in and knowing it backwards and forwards. To many times people engage lawyers and become frustrated because they do not feel like their attorney knows or understands there case. This is not Deborah or her team. They come ready to play everyday and double down on game day. Deborah and her team also uphold an ethical standard that is rarely seen in the legal profession today. She is always quick to let you know that she will not cross that line and further will not represent a client who thinks that way or wants to play that way. This is the quality that I love most about her. She values her reputation and that of her firm. She believe in the Justice System and adheres to a strict code of ethics. If you are looking for a lawyer who knows the law, communicates well and will show up everyday to advocate of your behalf then Deborah is the Attorney that you are looking for. if you are looking for a lawyer who is prepared come game day and ready to fight for your rights then Deborah is the Attorney that you are looking for. If you are looking for a lawyer with the highest level ethics and integrity then Deborah is the attorney that you seek.
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Posted by Eric | July 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly, highly qualified, competent and experienced attorney. I recommend her unconditionally.
Deborah has helped me far more than the three previous attorneys I worked with during my divorce. I can honestly say I recommend her unconditionally to anyone that needs any legal help. I have worked with her for over three years and she is professional, incredibly knowledgable and very compassionate. Previous attorneys left me feeling nervous, scared and doubtful. Deborah is the kind of attorney that takes the time to carefully explain all the details of your legal situation and help you understand them. She was able to allay many of my fears and perceptions of divorce and help guide me through this difficult process. Other attorneys seemed unprepared and disorganized compared to Deborah. Other attorneys seemed careless and left me cold. Deborah was none of those. Throughout all our office meetings and conference calls I always felt comfortable and cared for. Additionally, Deborah is not the kind of attorney (or person) that just tells you what you want to hear. There's no bs with her, she never let me slide, lose my temper, get out of control or get angry. She kept me grounded throughout the entire process. When I was scared, she talked me through it, when I was angry she talked me through it. She answered every question I had, and some were truly ridiculous. She's a consummate professional and never spoke down to me or made me feel ignorant. She also put everything on the table, good and bad. She told me everything that could happen, might happen and probably would not happen in my case. She is unbelievably organized and methodical. She made an enormous binder for my trial that was Thesis-like, it was incredible. She has never left me feeling like she wasn't doing absolutely everything she could to help me and my case. I can absolutely, honestly and unconditionally say I recommend Deborah Greene 100%.
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Posted by Kathy | June 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent, professional, knowledgeable attorney
I highly recommend Deborah Greene and her team for exceptional work on my family law case. Deborah has worked with me for several years on ongoing matters related to my situation. She and her team are extremely responsive, professional and on the mark. She brings solutions to the table, is not afraid of a challenge and represented me with strength and conviction. When I was researching the best attorney, Deborah came to me from a reference whom I trusted - and that person was spot on. She told me, "If you need someone strong and who will get the job done, Deborah is the right choice." All I can say is my friend was 100 percent correct. Thank you Deborah, and team, for your support and for going the extra mile to represent me and bring justice. I appreciate you tremendously. Words can't say enough.
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Posted by Jonathan | December 28, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Truly Exceptional
I came to Deborah in a very desperate situation. Not only did she take on my case but she completely turned the tables around in my favor. Her work ethic is outstanding and she was always reachable when needed. I never had any communication issues unlike with others attorneys I have used in the past. Her help in getting my children back was priceless to me. She is at the top end of the price range but for very good reason. You definitely get what you pay for and her services were worth every penny. Her research and approach to my case was very professional, hard hitting and strategic. Definitely wouldn't ever want to be on the opposing side of the table facing her. I would definitely recommend her firm to anyone especially if you have a hard case to be won. She is one that will fight to the end!
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Posted by anonymous | December 2, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Detail oriented, knowledgeable and pleasant
Deborah Greene is very detail oriented and pleasant to deal with. She knows the law, is very familiar with her areas of expertise and has a great support staff. She is very understanding, knowledgable with a great mastery of the case law. All in all, I would definitely recommend her and would hire her again if needed!
Posted by Jason F. | October 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Deborah Greene is a true professional attorney. You can't go wrong.
My case was very intricate and unique. In fact, the judge stated he'd never even had a case like mine and was not sure the level of his authority in making the decision. Ms. Greene and her staffed presented the judge with a very thorough memorandum of law that outlines his authority very clearly. The investment I made in Ms Greene, win or lose, was well worth it and she demonstrated the utmost professionalism clearly showing she is an expert in her field. I would highly endorse and recommend her.
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Posted by David | August 29, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
Deborah is very thorough and extremely knowledgeable. She did an excellent job with my case and I'm very happy with my result. I would highly recommend her for any family law matter.
Posted by Nancy | June 15, 2015
Deborah Greene Scores High Marks
Deborah Greene recently represented me in my divorce with professionalism and care. The entire process could have been cold and impersonal, but Deborah handled things in such a way that made me feel comfortable and well-informed. Her knowledgeable team was always friendly, prompt and thorough in managing documentation, scheduling and updates. Deborah Greene and her firm demonstrate a personal touch that adds real value.
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Posted by Kelly | October 30, 2014
Glad she is fighting for me, because I'd hate to be on the other side
Deborah and her entire firm have become like family. Deborah is exceptionally capable. Prepared and polished in the courtroom and thoughtful and objective beyond the courtroom. The favorable outcome of my case speaks volumes about her professionalism and expertise. And, if it weren't enough that Deborah is an outstanding attorney, she is also likable and quick witted when the situation allows for that.
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Posted by Marlene | September 23, 2014
Attention to Detail
I found Deborah Greene to be both knowledgeable and detail oriented. She saw to it that I was well protected on several fronts. She had to deal with Federal Red Tape in filing QDRO's for me and wade through pages of Federal procedures and requirements to do so. Her attention to detail and following exacting procedures paid off and I received half of all retirement assets with no problems and in short order, which is saying something when the Federal Government is involved. She was responsive to my requests, and answered my questions including the ones I didn't know to ask. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing representation.
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Posted by Alan | December 19, 2013
Outstanding attorney - highly recommended
Being an attorney is Deborah’s calling. She has a brilliant legal mind, and unquestionable compassion and responsiveness vis a vis her clients. She’s a true advocate in the best sense of the word, in addition to being a straight shooter that doesn’t mince words. I also wouldn’t want to face her in court, if she wasn’t on my side. Clients rarely get what we they pay for these days. In Deborah’s case, they most certainly do.
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Posted by Sherri | March 27, 2013
Deborah Greene, An Attorney You Want By Your Side
I really enjoyed working with Deborah and her Paralegal Shannon. I found them to be patient and understanding as well as fair and knowledgeable. Deborah will ensure that you are prepared with an understandng of case law and has a good handle on the way judges are likely to interpret facts. This is very helpful to you as you are making a decision as to the best course of action to take in a family matter involving separation vs divorce.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-425 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Member/Shareholder
  • Combs Greene f/k/a Smith Greene & Combs
  • 2004 - Present
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Florida Coastal School of Law
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Member/Shareholder
  • Barlett Heekin Smith Greene & Malin
  • 2000 - 2004
  • Member/Shareholder
  • Combs & Greene, P.A.
  • 1998 - 2000
  • Associate
  • Tromberg & Safer
  • 1996 - 1998
  • Associate
  • Kirschner, Main, Graham, Tanner & Demont
  • 1992 - 1996
  • Associate
  • Boyer, Tanzler & Boyer
  • 1991 - 1992
  • Intern
  • Florida Supreme Court
  • 1991 - 1991
  • Certified Legal Intern
  • Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
  • 1990 - 1990
  • Intern
  • Florida House of Representatives
  • 1989 - 1990
View all work experience

Education

  • The Florida State University College of Law
  • Juris Doctor - With HIgh Honors - Top 10% of Class
  • 1991
  • Florida State University
  • Bachelor of Science - GPA 3.29
  • 1985
  • Lynchburg College
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • Adoption of Baby James Doe, 572 So.2d 986 (Fla.1st DCA 1990)
  • Appeal was won for the client.
  • General Commercial Packaging, Inc. v. T.P.S. Package Engineering, Inc., 126 F.3d 1131 (9th Cir. 1997)
  • Appeal was won for the client.
  • Lahodik v. Lahodik, 969 So.2d 533 (Fla. 1st DCA 2007)
  • The appeal was won for the client.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • American Inn of Court - Florida Family Law Inn of Court
  • Master of the Inn
  • 2002 - Present
  • Jacksonville Women's Lawyer's Association
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • Members - Previously Served on Professionalism Committee
  • N/A
  • The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C"
  • Chair
  • 2008 - 2008
  • The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C"
  • Vice-Chair
  • 2007 - 2007
  • The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C"
  • Member
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Jacksonville Women's Lawyer's Association
  • President
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Phi Alpha Delta - Florida State University
  • Vice-Justice
  • 1990 - 1991
  • The Women's Law Symposium - Florida State University
  • President
  • 1990 - 1991
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Client's Choice - Family
  • AVVO
  • 2013
  • The 2013 Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys
  • Martinedale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Client's Choice - Family
  • AVVO
  • 2012
  • Top Lawyers in Jacksonville
  • Jacksonville Magazine's 904
  • 2012
  • The 2012 Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Legal Eagles - Top River City Lawyers
  • Jacksonville Magazine's 904
  • 2011
  • 5th Anniversary - AV Rated for 5 years 2004 - 2009
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2004
  • Book Award - Civil Rights Survey
  • Florida State University College of Law
  • 1990
  • Book Award - Law & Groups
  • Florida State University College of Law
  • 1989
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of Court
  • Discovery and Depositions
  • 2009
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers ASsociation
  • Investiture Presentation to Judge Dan Wilensky
  • 2007
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • Moderator - Annual Judicial Panel
  • 2006
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • Moderator - Judicial Candidate Forum
  • 2006
  • Mandarin Newcomers Club
  • Judicial Races
  • 2006
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • Presenter of Woman Lawyers of the Year Award to Judge Eleni Derke
  • 2006
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • Investiture Presentation to Judge Kevin Blazs
  • 2006
  • The Women's Law Students Association
  • Member of Panel for Panel Discussion
  • 2006
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers ASsociation
  • Investiture Presentation to Judge Mallory D. Cooper
  • 2005
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • Investiture Presenttion to Judge Angela Cox
  • 2005
  • The Women's Law Students Association Florida Coastal School of Law
  • Member of Panel for Panel Discussion Regarding Women and the Law
  • 2005
  • The Women's Law Students Association Florida Coastal School of Law
  • Member of Panel for Panel Discussion Regarding Practicing Law
  • 2004
  • Rotary International - Baker County, Florida Chapter
  • Speaker
  • 2004
  • Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of Court
  • Program Creator/Participant Regarding Family Law Issues
  • 2004
  • Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of Court
  • Evidence Tips and Tricks
  • 2003
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • Practicing With Professionalism
  • 2000
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • Practicing with Professionalism
  • 1999
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (6)
Endorse Deborah
Appeals Attorney | Jun 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Deborah is a well respected attorney in the legal community, and clearly a formidable opponent in the court room. However, her appellate work is truly second to none. Deborah is always my go to attorney if a case needs to be taken to the next level."
Family Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Deborah is a highly experienced attorney. I often call her for her advise on my own cases as I value her legal opinion in the utmost regard."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Deborah is one of the best lawyers in the field. She is knowledgeable and she is extremely prepared."
Family Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Ms. Greene and I were opposing counsel in a very heated dissolution and domestic violence case. Ms. Greene, while advocating for her client, was kind and courteous to me, the Court and all professionals involved in the case. Despite the contested nature of the case, Ms. Greene was professional and ethical with every step. I respect her and her staff."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"I started working for Deborah and her husband/law partner soon after receiving my license to practice law in September, 2010. It took no time at all for me to realize how fortunate I was to be working for such a great legal team. After 3+ years of working for them I can say, without any reservation, that they are two of the most intelligient, kind, compassionate, and skilled attorneys I have ever met. I cannot count the number of times lawyers, judges, mediators, and other legal professionals in the community have told me how great of an attorney Deborah is and how fortunate I am to work for her. I could not agree more. In fact, I have actually told a Judge that I felt if I were to become half the attorney Deborah is that I would be doing well for msyelf, and the Judge wholeheartedly agreed!"
Family Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I worked as an Associate attorney for Deborah, and her husband/law partner, Steve Combs, for several years. Deborah is an incredible attorney, and I highly endorse her, with no reservations. Deborah is as knowledgeable, aggressive, and courtroom proven, as any family law attorney that I know of in North Florida. If you are facing a family law issue (including, without limitation, divorce, time-sharing, modification, relocation adoption, dependency, domestic violence), you should definitely consult with Deborah; I would, and I would refer my closest friends and family to her as well. Whether you have a trial level or appellate issue, with Deborah, you are truly in good hands. Most importantly, Deborah is incredibly moral and ethical, and an all around good person, who will always zealously represent her clients."
Family Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Deborah Greene is one of the best family law and litigation attorneys in Jacksonville and for that reason I would highly endorse and recommend her to any potential client. She is smart, aggressive and very knowledgeable and places her client first."
Family Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Deborah is smart, pro-active, diligent, effective, ethical and practical."
Family Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Greene is a strong advocate for her clients and always well prepared. She is professional to her colleagues and responsive to the file. I have referred clients to her when conflicts arise and have not received any negative feedback."
Litigation Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse this lawyer's work. Deborah is an excellent attorney who is a very strong advocate for her clients. She is always well prepared and knowledgeable. I would not hesitate to recommend her to any potential clients."
Family Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Deborah is a dedicated advocate for her clients."
Family Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Deborah is an attorney of high integrity and incredible skill."
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Divorce and separation
Criminal defense
Construction and development