Debra Katz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Debra Katz
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Debra S. Katz
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| Born | October 26, 1958 Woodmere, New York, U.S.
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| Education | Union College, New York (BA) University of Wisconsin, Madison (JD) |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Known for | Founding partner of Katz Banks Kumin (formerly Katz, Marshall & Banks) |
| Spouse(s) | Nicole Berner |
| Children | 1 |
Debra S. Katz is an American lawyer who focuses on civil rights and helping people with their jobs. She is one of the main partners at a law firm called Katz Banks Kumin in Washington, D.C.. Debra Katz mostly works on cases about unfair treatment at work and protecting people who speak up about wrongdoings. She helps those who have been treated unfairly or punished for telling the truth.
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Early Life and School Days
Debra Katz grew up in Woodmere, New York, in a Jewish family. She went to George W. Hewlett High School. In 1980, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Union College with very high honors. Later, in 1984, she got her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School, also with honors.
While in law school, she noticed that men often led class discussions. When she talked to her professor about it, he first disagreed. But later, he saw it was true and apologized to the class. This experience helped her see how important fairness was in the legal world. She even helped start a new law journal, the Wisconsin Women's Law Journal, because she felt the existing one needed more diversity.
Her Career Journey
After law school, Debra Katz worked for Judge William A. Bablitch on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This was like an important internship where she learned a lot about how courts work. She also had a special fellowship at Georgetown University Law Center focusing on women's law and public policy.
Groups She Helps
Debra Katz is involved with several important groups. She is a leader on the board of directors for the Project On Government Oversight. This group works to make sure the government is open and honest. She has also written articles for Ms. Magazine, a well-known magazine. She is also on the board of directors for Americans for Peace Now, a group that works for peace.
Awards and Recognitions
Debra Katz has received many awards for her work. In 2024, she was added to Lawdragon’s Hall of Fame, which is a list of very important lawyers. In 2023, the D.C. Bar recognized her as a pioneer in Labor and Employment Law. She has also been named a "Top Lawyer" by Washingtonian Magazine many times since 2004.
In 2019, 2021, and 2023, Washingtonian Magazine also listed her as one of "The Most Powerful Women in Washington, D.C."
She is a special member of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and the International Women's Forum. She was named the "Civil Rights Lawyer of the Year" for Washington in 2018. She was also recognized for helping people who faced unfair treatment at work.
In 2018, she and her colleague, Lisa Banks, were named "Lawyer of the Year" by the Metropolitan Washington Lawyers Association. This award goes to lawyers who have done great things and show what the association stands for.
Her work also earned her the title of a "Titan of the Plaintiffs Bar" from Law360 in 2019. This award goes to influential lawyers who have made a big impact.
T’ruah, a group of rabbis and cantors who work for human rights, gave Debra Katz the Raphael Lemkin Human Rights Award.
Her Family Life
Debra Katz has one son named Ari Katz. She is married to Nicole Berner, who is a judge for a federal appeals court.
