Debra Whitson is a New York-based attorney, former prosecutor, family law mediator, and author of Divorce Like a Pro. In this conversation, she shares how mediation offers a healthier alternative to courtroom battles—and why divorce doesn’t have to destroy families. With decades of experience, Debra helps clients find clarity, peace, and dignity in even the most difficult transitions.

LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES

Debra’s side hustle became a calling: she wrote Divorce Like a Pro to provide an accessible, empowering guide for anyone going through separation or family breakdown. The book distills her real-world experience into practical advice and it’s a resource she wishes more people had earlier.

“I wrote the book because I found myself saying the same things over and over again to clients… there are better ways.,” shares Debra Whitson in Episode 75 of You Are a Lawyer.

When she’s not running her practice or writing, Debra is a global advocate for women’s rights through Zonta International. Her passion for service, travel, and equity informs her entire professional ethos, from her client relationships to her vision of justice.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why courtroom litigation often makes family issues worse, not better
• How mediation can lead to reconciliation
• The biggest myths Debra wants to debunk about divorce and conflict

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Debra’s early career as a prosecutor and what pushed her to shift paths
• Her book Divorce Like a Pro and why she felt called to write it
• How international travel and service work shaped her career and values