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Debra Ann Faulkner

also known as Debbie Faulkner
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Avvo Rating10
  • Oldsmar, FL
  • Licensed for 10 years
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About Debra

At 19, Debbie graduated from Stetson cum laude and earned the distinction of being Stetson's youngest graduate since its founding in 1883.   
 
After graduating, Debbie worked full-time as assistant to the CEO of a local 400+ employee company. She was responsible for locating international investment properties for company expansion, organizing and participating in team-building and morale development meetings for key employees, and providing customer service to corporate clients. She worked closely with management to streamline activities, increase productivity, and effectuate change in the office atmosphere to promote employee development and growth. Through her experience Debbie became intimately familiar with the challenges and demands of running a small business including accounts receivable, accounts payable, mail solutions, invoicing, responding to customer demands, morale boosting, budgeting, and file & client management.  
 
Debbie attended Cornell Law School - one of the five Ivy League law schools - and became the first person in her family to obtain a graduate-level education.  Upon graduating, Debbie accepted an appellate clerkship with the Court of Appeals of Virginia.  In 2012, Debbie returned to school and obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Washington University in St. Louis.  In the Taxation program, Debbie focused her coursework on sophisticated personal estate and tax planning.
 
Debbie currently serves on the Executive Council of the Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate and Trust Committee and serves on the following sub-committees: Real Estate Structures & Tax, Asset Protection, Probate Law. Debbie was selected to teach a Certified Legal Education class by the Florida Bar Asset Protection Committee and her article on taxation implications of structuring real estate transactions has been published in the statewide publication, Actionline 

Practice areas

OtherProbateMergers and acquisitionsBusinessEstate planning
  1. Estate planning: 35%

    With a special focus on tax consequences and asset protection, we create revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, life insurance trusts, health care surrogate, living wills, & buy-sell agreements. We help entrepreneurs with business succes

  2. Business: 25%

    Business transactional work including incorporation of partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and corporations; operating agreements, partnership, shareholder and stock restriction agreements; phantom stock & options plans.

  3. Mergers and acquisitions: 15%

    Buy-sell agreements, cross-purchase agreements, employment contracts, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements, and owner-financed sale documents. Promissory notes with security agreements or stock pledged as collateral transactions.

  4. Probate: 15%

    We help you through the post-death transfer of assets, whether through probate court, or through trust administration.

  1. Debt and lending agreements: 10%

    Promissory notes, security agreements, subordination or inter-creditor agreements, assignment and assumption agreements, mortgage agreements, accounts receivable letters.

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

4076881 1536092749

4076881 1536092777

Contact

253A Pine Avenue North
address map

Burke Faulkner Law, P.A.

253A Pine Avenue North
Oldsmar, FL, 34677

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MOInactive201201/26/2020
FLMember in Good Standing201104/19/2020
VAInactive200906/05/2013
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers58
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2019
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 - Trust & EstatesAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2019
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2018
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2018
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2017
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2017
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2016
Up and Comer AwardTampa Bay Business Journal2013
Merit ScholarWashington University in St. Louis2012
Scholarship RecipientCornell Law School2006
Youngest Known GraduateStetson University2005
Presidential Service Award for Community ServiceWhite House2003
Presidential ScholarshipStetson University2003
Everyday Hero AwardBay News 92001
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Managing PartnerBurke Faulkner Law, P.A.2013 - Present
Assistant State AttorneyState Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit2011 - 2012
Law ClerkVirginia Court Of Appeals2009 - 2011
Legal InternU.S. Attorney's Office2009 - 2009
Legal InternU.S. Air Force Jag Corps2008 - 2008
Law ClerkU.S. District Court Middle District Florida2008 - 2008
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Gulf Coast Estate Planning CouncilCo-Founder and President2017 - Present
Florida Bar, Asset Protection CommitteeMember2016 - Present
Florida Bar Membership and Inclusion CommitteeMember2015 - Present
Florida Bar Real Property Structures and Taxation CommitteeBoard Member2015 - Present
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law SectionMember2013 - Present
Missouri BarMember2012 - Present
Florida BarMember2011 - Present
United States Parachute AssociationB-licensed Skydiver2011 - Present
Virginia State BarAssociate Member2009 - Present
American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Palm Harbor/Tarpon SpringsChairman2015 - 2017
Clearwater Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionChair, Oyster Roast Committee2014 - 2014
East Lake Library Foundation BoardChairman2014 - 2016
Ruth Eckard Hall Planned Giving CouncilBoard Member2014 - 2015
Morton Plant Mease Planned Giving Advisory CouncilAttorney Member2013 - 2016
Gulf Coast Legal FoundationVolunteer Attorney2013 - 2014
Charles Schwab Select Investor Advisory GroupInvestor Advisor2013 - 2015
Clearwater Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember2013 - 2014
Clearwater Bar AssociationMember2013 - 2017
Cornell Law School Moot Court BoardMember2007 - 2009
Lawyers in MENSAMember2006 - 2009
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
National Business Institute SeminarBusiness Succession Planning2019
National Business Institute SeminarBasic Tax Planning & Updates2019
Action Line, a publication of The Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate & Trust Law SectionPractice Pointer - Estate Planning Best Practices2018
Action Line, a publication of The Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate & Trust Law SectionA Primer on Taxation Considerations in Structuring Real Estate Holdings2017
Res Ipsa Loquitur (CBA)Avoiding Digital Deficits in Estate Planning2014
trustbryancave.com$5 million Federal Estate Tax Exemption Doesn't Mean You're Safe from Tax at Death2013
liiBulletinKlein & Co. Futures Inc. v. Board of Trade City of New York U.S. Supreme Court Preview2008
liiBulletinRichlin Security Service Co. v. Chertoff U.S. Supreme Court Preview2008
liiBulletinWashington State Grange v. Washington State Republican Party Supreme Court Preview2007
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
American College of Trust & Estate CounselFlorida Fellows Program Graduate2017
Washington University School of LawLL.M - Master of Laws2013
Cornell Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor2009
Stetson UniversityB.A.2005
American UniversitySemester in Washington2004
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
SeminarWhen a Will Isn't Enough2019
SeminarEstate Planning 1012019
Women's SymposiumWomen in the Law2017
Synovus Team TrainingHot Topics in Estate and Tax Planning: Titling Accounts2013
Criminal Law Society's Job PanelSeeking and Obtaining Summer Employment2013
Questions in the CourtyardAppellate Clerkships2012
Tampa Bay Computer SocietySkip Tracing2008
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Insurance company incorporationGreat
Medical billing company IncorporationGreat
Irrevocable trustGreat
Contract draftingExcellent

Reviews

(17)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Review Debra Faulkner

Knows her stuff!

Posted by

In my first time working with Debbie, she was responsive, efficient, and highly knowledgeable. I am very pleased and happy to recommend her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

CFO

Posted by

We consult with her for most of our corporate legal issues like drafting and reviewing agreements such as license agreements with customer/vendor, sale/purchase of membership units in a company etc, She is simple, knowledgeable, approachable, very friendly. More importantly, approachable even after office hours in case of any urgency
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Very pleased with Debbie and her firm

Posted by

Debbie was caring, bright, professional and all one would ask for in an Estate Planning attorney. We highly recommend her services.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A Caring Bright Intelligent Lawyer

Posted by

Miss Faulkner guided me through a tough time when I needed a lawyer and a friend. She worked diligently to develop a family trust that would right for our situation. Though she is young she is an experienced, knowledgeable and qualified lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

LAST TESTAMENT AND WILL

Posted by

My experience with Attorney Debra Faulkner was very pleasant and professional. She and her staff made me feel at ease in a comfortable and friendly environment. Attorney Debra was extremely attentive in listening to me and through in explaining how my estate planning works for me and for my best interest. Her character and professional ethics are a such a rare trait in today's business world. Her staff immediately answered any questions when I had called. I feel extremely blessed to have Attorney Debra Faulkner in the successful process of my Last Will and Testament. I will definitely recommend her to anyone who needs help with family law issues.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fantastic professional service

Posted by

Debbie fully understood my corporate and estate needs and she will be handling legal needs going forward. I highly recommend her and her firm. Margaret
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Professional and Highly Skilled

Posted by

Debbie helped me more in a few hours than three previous attorneys combined. She is professional, positive, extraordinaly kind, extremely intelligent and most importantly gets the job done with minimal stress to the client. I highly recommend this attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding Attorney.

Posted by

I hired Attorney Faulkner in 2016 after having had an unfortunate experience with another lawyer. Attorney Faulkner met with me to understand what my legal goals and needs were. She proposed a game plan and we went forward. Without question, Attorney Faulkner is the best attorney I've ever worked with. She is knowledgeable and competent. She is an excellent communicator and always responds in a timely manner to my inquiries (even at 12 midnight!!) She always follows through with what she says she's going to do. She has a great understanding of the law and the legal process and she is thoughtful, candid and most effective in how to negotiate the legal system and its procedures. Additionally, I regard Attorney Faulkner as a quality person who is very interested in her client's personal background and issues. Her approach is both personal and professional. I feel she hashigh standards and expectations for herself and her clients; she is a person of high integrity; a professional with great empathy and listening skills; and, a juris with a strong desire to do everything she can to help her client be successful to the extent possible. It has been an honor to be Attorney Faulkner's client and to have my faith restored in the legal profession by such a competent professional as she. I greatly appreciate all she has done to help me with my very complicated case. Thank you! Dr. Bob
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Trust Establishment

Posted by

Debbie was very knowledgeable and versed in the laws governing Trusts. Our Trust was drawn timely and proficiently, and complied with all legal reviews required to establish this legal entity for the benefit of a dependent.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Consummate Professional

Posted by

Ms. Faulkner possesses a fervent work ethic. From the time Ms. Faulkner took me on as a client, she has always made herself available to speak with me - even during the weekends. Ms. Faulkner is very knowledgeable, and she is a consummate professional. I would recommend Ms. Faulkner to anyone in need of both tax advise and/or estate planning counseling.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(13)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Paul Knudsen, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 7, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Debbie and I used to work together as prosecutors. Now I send all of my clients with business related issues to her knowing full well she will provide an exceptional service.

Mark Perenich, Car accident Attorney on Nov 7, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

It's my honor to endorse Debbie. Debbie is a brilliant lawyer, she knows what she's talking about. When I have an issue with business law, estate law, trust law, I go to Debbie for answers. She's hard working and very personable.

Afram Malki, Car accident Attorney on Feb 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Cristin Gerczak

I endorse this lawyer. Debbie is very knowledgeable, experienced and professional.

Andrew Mongelluzzi, Litigation Attorney on Jul 22, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Debbie brings some much needed energy and ambition to the Trusts and Estates practice. Very intelligent and knowledgeable in the area of Wealth Preservation and Estate Planning. Highly recommended.

Robert Eckard, Litigation Attorney on Apr 6, 2015
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I have known Debbie for a little over 2 years. Almost immediately upon meeting her I could tell how sharp she was. Debbie is personable yet formidable. Debbie is able to explain complex matters in a way that make them easy to understand. She is one of the brightest people I know. If you hire Debbie Faulkner-- you will have hired an excellent lawyer.

Quinn LaHiff

Ms. Faulkner is an attorney of exceptional intellect and provides the highest quality of legal representation to her clients. I have worked with Ms. Faulkner, and I can say with absolute confidence that she is one of the very best attorneys practicing in her field. I highly recommend this lawyer.

Andrew Cowan, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Friend

Attorney Faulkner is the best. I have known Attorney Faulkner since she started law school ten years ago, and can say without reservation that she is one of the smartest attorneys I know. She understands her areas of practice top to bottom, inside and out. She knows where the law is stable, and where it is in flux. Where it is in flux, she know show to plan to make sure that the client is taken care of no matter what happens in the future. When I have an estate planning question, Debbie Faulkner is the first person I call. Her estate planning and probate clients are in the best of hands.

David Sandy, Real estate Attorney on Mar 29, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I hired Mrs. Faulkner to help with my grammy's estate planning since I'm licensed in another state and only have a passing understanding of her area of law. First, she's incredibly responsive and willing to work late when the situation or poor planning on the client's part creates a time sensitive situation. Two, she really knows the law and crafts the forms when called for. I went over the forms very closely and when I saw a couple areas I had questions about the handling of she knew what I was talking about and had a great rationale for handling it the way she draft, a sign of a great lawyer. Three, she's young but experienced in the area. If you look up her bio she's sort of a female Doogie Howser in law who got a law degree really young. So she's been practicing for awhile. This means she's still fresh and up on the area. In addition, being young she has a great chance of being around for handling the matters she set up ten or twenty years in the future.

Michael Perenich, Car accident Attorney on Apr 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Debbie, is a brilliant attorney, she is a guru when I comes to estate planning. If you have an issue I'd definitely call her.

Joelle Schultz, Litigation Attorney on Jan 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Debbie is a great attorney. She is very knowledgeable, detailed, hard working, personable, and able to overcome and provide strategic plans and alternatives to reach the goals her clients hope to achieve. Her work ethic is extraordinary and the work she performs is nothing less. I will use Debbie for all my Estate Planning and Tax needs and highly recommend her services to anybody else as well.

Nicole Denmon, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ms. Faulkner is an excellent attorney who exudes professionalism.

David Haenel, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 2, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

First let me say that I give attorney reviews very sparingly as I find the attorney must have a good understanding of the law and be client focused. As a former state attorney, Debbie has what it takes to get the job done. She is tenacious and never loses track of the task at hand. Take it from me..you will not be disappointed if you hire Debbie to handle your legal matter.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$275-$400/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card