Debra Wilkinson Botwin

I am from Alabama, and I grew up on a farm in a small rural community halfway between Huntsville, AL and Chattanooga, TN. I went to junior college on a full scholarship and then to the University of Alabama, where I received my BA in Communications (Journalism) with a minor in Engineering. I went from there, across campus to the School of Law. I completed those 3 years also on scholarship, and with honors. My college experience was shaped by a series of scholarships, part time jobs and achievements in both academic and social environments. I was Phi Beta Kappa in Undergraduate, as well as Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership, honors and service organization. I practiced the lessons my parents taught me, and I worked hard. Now, I have been practicing law for more than 22 years, and have an Av rating by Martindale Hubbel and a solo practice. Just like in school, effort and determination pays off. My legal career began in Orlando with a large state-wide law firm representing clients from all over the country. I defended some of the biggest insurance companies in America, as well as the largest manufacturer of cars in the nation. Doing this gave me an insight into how cases are evaluated, managed and treated by big corporations. Later in my career, I changed my practice to represent individuals and small businesses instead of large corporations. I try cases and go to court. The lessons I have learned over my career have taught me that nothing is as powerful as going to court if that is what a client needs. Not every case should go to court. But when a case needs to be tried, I can do it, and I do.