Deborah Watson-Stokes Esq.
Experience That Counts.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Deborah Watson-Stokes has called Philadelphia home for the past 40 years. Coming from a proud union family on both sides, they have deep roots in working-class values. Her mother was a dedicated teacher and a proud member of the teachers' union, while her father and brothers worked as auto workers and utility workers for the likes of GM, Ford, Chrysler and DTE. Deborah Watson-Stokes' sister is a proud "Mighty Woman of Steel". And her husband's family includes 2 generations of longshoremen in Philadelphia.
This rich legacy of union pride and hard work continues to shape Deborah Watson-Stokes' commitment to fighting for working families and building a fairer, stronger community for all.
Justice That Serves.
Deborah has served the Philadelphia community as an assistant district attorney for over three decades, including 18 years in the elite homicide unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. During her career, Deborah has touched the lives of hundreds of community members in powerful ways, including navigating hundreds of grieving families through the arduous process of a criminal trial and delivering justice with skill and compassion, resulting in over 150 homicide jury trials. Deborah's savvy, sharp, down-to-earth professional style has made her a distinguished and polished jurist in prosecuting some of Philadelphia's most violent crimes. Deborah has mentored several young lawyers, and when asked what advice she would leave to young lawyers, she stated:
"If I could give young lawyers any advice, it would be to remember that YOU define yourself. Don't listen to the critics, and do not allow other people to define YOU. It may seem pretty basic, but it's a motto to live by. You will always run into obstacles, and there will always be people who don't see you as you see yourself. You'll always have what you need if you don't give up."
Deborah has received numerous awards, including the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia's Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Woman of Distinction Award, the District Attorney's Gladiator 300 Award, the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy Award, and the Philadanco, Philadelphia School of Dance Arts Community Service Award, Catholic University Columbia School of Law's Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Black Law Students Association of Catholic University's Columbia School of Law's Alumni Achievement Award. Deborah has also served in several supervisory positions, such as Supervisor of the Municipal Court and Indicating Grandy Jury Units of the Philadelphia DAO. Deborah has also served in several supervisory positions such as senior advisor of Professional Development and Special Projects. Also, she is a loving wife and mother of three. Deborah's life, legacy, and career thus far have demonstrated that she has "guts" and a passion for public service. Leading by example just like Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and fellow Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member. In the words of Shirley Chisholm, Deborah explained: "I'd like them to say that Shirley Chisholm had guts. That's how I'd like to be remembered."