Debra Weiss Ford

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.

Honors and Recognitions

• American Lawyer Media, Top Rated Lawyer
• Benchmark Litigation, “Litigation Star” and “Labor and Employment Star” (2025)
• The Best Lawyers in America©, “Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law – Management” (2024) 
• The Best Lawyers in America©, “Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law – Management” (2024)
• The Best Lawyers in America©, “Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment” (2021, 2022, 2025)
• The Best Lawyers in America©, “Employment Law - Management," “Labor Law - Management,” and "Litigation - Labor and Employment” (2011-present)
• Business New Hampshire Magazine, “Best Labor and Employment attorney in New Hampshire”
• Chambers USA, “Labor & Employment” (2008-present)
• The College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, “Fellow” (2006-present)
• Legal 500 USA, “Recommended Attorney” (2016-2022)
• Martindale-Hubbell®, “AV Preeminent® - Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence” (2003-present)
• New Hampshire Magazine, Top New Hampshire Lawyers in Labor and Employment
• New England Super Lawyers®, "Super Lawyers" (2007-present)
• Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, The Trial Lawyer Honorary Society
• Thomson Reuters, “Stand-Out Lawyer” (2023-present)
• Benchmark Litigation – Recognized as Litigation Star (2025)

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

• Granite State Children’s Alliance, Board of Directors (2023)
• 1st Tee, Board of Directors (2005-2006); Honorary Board Member (2005-2008)
• End 68 Hours of Hunger, Board of Directors (2017-2022)
• NHSPCA, Board of Directors (2004-2011, 2024)
• Portsmouth Music Hall, Board Member
• Rockingham Community Action, Board of Directors (2009-2011)
• Seacoast Human Resources Association, Board Member

Published Works

• Workplace Privacy, New Hampshire Chapter (Thompson Publishing Group)