Debra Weiss Ford
Recognized since 2007
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Practice Areas
Employment Law - Management
Labor Law - Management
Litigation - Labor and Employment
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 a
marked 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.
marked 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.
Contact & Links
- E-mail: Debra.Ford@jacksonlewis.com
- Lawyer Page: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/people/debra-weiss-ford
Location
- 100 International Drive, Suite 363
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Education
- Temple University, J.D., graduated 1982
- Drew University, BA, graduated 1979
Bar Admissions
- Maine, Maine State Bar Association
- Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association
- New Hampshire, New Hampshire Bar Association
Affiliations
- American Bar Association - Member
- American Board of Trial Advocates - Member
- American Trial Lawyers Association - Member
- Massachusetts Bar Association - Member
- New Hampshire Bar Association - Member
- NHSPCA - Board of Directors
- Pro Portsmouth, Inc. - Board of Directors
- Rockingham County Action - Board of Directors
Headquarters:
New York, New York
300 The Best Lawyers in America® awards
165 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Litigation - Labor and Employment, Manchester (2025)
- Employment Law - Management, Manchester (2024)
- Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2024)
- Litigation - Labor and Employment, Manchester (2022)
- Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2020)
- Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2018)
- Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2017)
- Employment Law - Management, Manchester (2016)
- Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2015)
- Litigation - Labor and Employment, Manchester (2014)
- Labor Law - Management, Manchester (2013)
- Employment Law - Management, Manchester (2012)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
- Employment Law - Management
- Labor Law - Management
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
Special Focus:
- COVID-19
- Defense
- Management
Awards:
- 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
Publications
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