Debra Weiss Ford

Debra Weiss Ford

Employment Law - Management

5.0 (1 reviews)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
43+ years experience
Jackson Lewis PC
Updated:

Contact Information

100 International Drive, Suite 363, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Login to Contact

Create an account to contact this attorney

Bio

With four decades in employment law, Debra “Deb” Weiss Ford stands as a steadfast advocate for her clients. In both state and federal venues, Deb combines strategic insight with her extensive knowledge to achieve optimal legal results. No New Hampshire employment law challenge is unfamiliar to her. Her litigation experience ensures effective solutions for both common and novel issues. She’s adeptly represented employers before key institutions, including the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. This experience grants her unique insights into their processes, offering clients amarked advantage.Central to Deb’s practice, and of utmost importance in today's workplace environment, is her vast experience in providing workplace trainings. With literally thousands under her belt, her sessions have been consistently described as educational, insightful, and creative. Deb’s ability to impart knowledge is evident in how she breaks down complex issues into easily understandable segments. These trainings, tailored to each organization’s needs, have proven invaluable in promoting healthy workplaces, avoiding potential litigation, and ensuring compliance.Deb’s specialization spans areas like discrimination, wrongful discharge, wage and hour issues, workplace trainings, and Title IX compliance. Her approach is always tailored, rooted in a deep understanding of comprehensive legal landscapes. Beyond litigation, Deb routinely provides advice and counsel to clients, with a practical orientation focused on avoiding litigation based on her deep knowledge of litigation risks.Deb’s commitment to the legal community shines through her many years serving in pro bono and community-involved roles. Her experience in key committees and as a federal and state mediator highlight her negotiation prowess and leadership. Deb’s unwavering dedication to legal excellence ensures her clients receive top-tier, adaptable guidance in the modern employment legal arena. With four decades in employment law, Debra “Deb” Weiss Ford stands as a steadfast advocate for her clients. In both state and federal venues, Deb combines strategic insight with her extensive knowledge to achieve optimal legal results. No New Hampshire employment law challenge is unfamiliar to her. Her litigation experience ensures effective solutions for both common and novel issues. She’s adeptly represented employers before key institutions, including the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. This experience grants her unique insights into their processes, offering clients amarked advantage.Central to Deb’s practice, and of utmost importance in today's workplace environment, is her vast experience in providing workplace trainings. With literally thousands under her belt, her sessions have been consistently described as educational, insightful, and creative. Deb’s ability to impart knowledge is evident in how she breaks down complex issues into easily understandable segments. These trainings, tailored to each organization’s needs, have proven invaluable in promoting healthy workplaces, avoiding potential litigation, and ensuring compliance.Deb’s specialization spans areas like discrimination, wrongful discharge, wage and hour issues, workplace trainings, and Title IX compliance. Her approach is always tailored, rooted in a deep understanding of comprehensive legal landscapes. Beyond litigation, Deb routinely provides advice and counsel to clients, with a practical orientation focused on avoiding litigation based on her deep knowledge of litigation risks.Deb’s commitment to the legal community shines through her many years serving in pro bono and community-involved roles. Her experience in key committees and as a federal and state mediator highlight her negotiation prowess and leadership. Deb’s unwavering dedication to legal excellence ensures her clients receive top-tier, adaptable guidance in the modern employment legal arena.

Practice Areas

Employment Law - Management

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Manchester (2025)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management, Manchester (2024)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2024)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Manchester (2022)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2020)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2018)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2017)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management, Manchester (2016)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2015)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Manchester (2014)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2013)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management, Manchester (2012)
  • Recognized: Employment Law - Management
  • Recognized: Labor Law - Management
  • Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Special Focus: COVID-19
  • Special Focus: Defense
  • Special Focus: Management
  • Listed in New England Super Lawyers (Top 100 attorneys in New England)
  • Listed in New England Super Lawyers (Top 50 Women in New England, Employment & Labor)
  • Listed in Chambers USA as one of the top Lawyers in Labor and Employment
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rating
  • Selected for inclusion in 2010 New England Super Lawyers
  • Listed in Top New Hampshire Lawyers in Labor and Employment, New Hampshire Magazine
  • Named Best Labor and Employment attorney in New Hampshire, Business New Hampshire Magazine

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007

Education

  • Temple University, J.D., graduated 1982
  • Drew University, BA, graduated 1979

Reviews

P

Paul Collins

2 weeks ago

A Decisive Advocate in a Complex Employment Dispute

Our company faced a high-stakes, multi-plaintiff employment litigation in federal court. We turned to Debra Weiss Ford, and her four decades of experience were immediately apparent. Deb’s strategic insight, honed over 43 years, was invaluable. She navigated the complexities of both state and federal employment law with a calm, commanding presence, translating intricate legal concepts into clear business advice. Her deep knowledge of labor and employment law for management was our greatest asset. The case concluded with a highly favorable settlement that protected our operations and reputation. Deb’s recent recognitions as Lawyer of the Year are well-deserved; she is simply exceptional.

Write a Review

Please login to leave a review for this attorney.

Login to Review

Don't have an account? Create one

Related Attorneys

KL

Kelly L. Ovitt Puc

Litigation - Real Estate

Concord, NH
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile
John C. Cashen

John C. Cashen

Employment Law - Management

Troy, MI
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile
Daniel R. Strader

Daniel R. Strader

Employment Law - Management

Portland, ME
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile
Katherine Kerry Battles
Manchester, NH
5.0 (1 reviews)
View Profile