Deborah Thompson

Partner at Nelson Mullins

Deborah has a great deal of experience representing private and public sector employer clients in both labor and employment matters. She defends clients against claims, including discrimination, wage-and-hour disputes, and wrongful termination. She provides advice and counsel to clients on various issues such as creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, accommodating employees with disabilities, and avoiding litigation. Deborah serves as the lead attorney in labor negotiations between her public sector and private employer clients and their workforces. 

Experience

  • Defends manufacturers and distributors involved in industrywide toxic tort litigation on local, regional, national, and international levels
  • Represents national and regional clients in courts throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia in all aspects of litigation and litigation management
  • Provides key leadership and coordination to ensure firm’s national clients receive optimal, efficient and coordinated legal services
  • Currently defending thousands of asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death cases filed in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia
  • Represents public sector employers in both traditional labor and employment law matters
  • Represents private and public sector employers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies in Maryland and the District of Columbia in matters involving discrimination claims, wage and hour issues, and contract and tort claims 
  • Counsels clients regarding strategies and compliance with the multitude of labor and employment laws applicable to their operations, including assisting in the development and establishment of employment policies and procedures; training managers, supervisors, EEO investigators, and staff on EEO and supervisory and disciplinary matters

Education

  • University of Maryland School of Law, JD, with honors (1997)
  • University of the West Indies, BSc, with honors (1990)

Honors

  • The Daily Record, Leaders in Law (2023)
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America: Product Liability, Mass Tort, and Employment (2023)
  • Benchmark Litigation
    • Top 250 Women in Litigation (2019–2023)
    • Local Litigation Star, General Commercial, Product Liability, Employment (2020–2023)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2020–2023)

Associations

  • Chair, Nelson Mullins Diversity, Equity & and Inclusion Committee
  • Board of Directors, Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter

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