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With trial experience in both state and federal courts, Deborah Sterling is known for comprehensive case management, accurate cost and liability analysis, and a no-nonsense “get it done” approach. A lawyer who will put the opposing side to trial, she also negotiates equitable solutions after successfully positioning the client in discovery and motion practice. Ms. Sterling has extensive experience in commercial and products liability litigation, as well as defense of catastrophic injury and death cases involving medical malpractice, work place injuries, trucking accidents, and other matters.

Ms. Sterling has also represented national banks, mortgage companies, technology and pharmaceutical companies and industrial manufacturers. A former assistant city attorney, Ms. Sterling has experience in defending governmental entities and public officials in various types of litigation. As a defense team leader on mass tort dockets, and as a project manager for complex e-discovery matters, Ms. Sterling effectively coordinates, manages and resolves complex discovery and litigation matters.

Representative Experience

• Represents national banks, including in consumer litigation matters
• Represents mortgage companies, including in subprime matters
• Represented numerous governmental entities in employment, Texas Tort Claims Act, and 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 actions
• Represents companies in disputes with former employees including theft of trade secrets and other employment matters
• Defends pharmaceutical companies in commercial and products liability cases
• Defends contractors, employers, products manufacturers and dram shops in wrongful death and personal injury cases
• Experience in managing and coordinating large scale discovery projects

Education

J.D. Texas Tech University, 1985
B.A. Texas Tech University, 1983

Bar Admissions

State Bar of Texas

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Districts of Texas

All Texas courts

Publications & Presentations

• Speaker, Dallas Bar Association, Sports and Entertainment Law Section
• Speaker, Texas City Attorneys Association

Professional Affiliations

• State Bar of Texas – Litigation Section
• Dallas Bar Association – Business Litigation Section
• Former director, Dallas Women Lawyers Association

Previous Law Firm Experience

Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP, Counsel
Locke Liddell & Sapp, LLP, Senior Counsel

Civic & Community Involvement

• A former USAB certified boxing coach, Ms. Sterling has coached numerous professional and amateur boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts participants, including several former Dallas Golden Gloves champions. A second-degree black belt, she is a member of the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame.