Deborah Murrell Whelihan, Employment Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, General, and Personal Injury
AttorneyatVorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Washington, DC
Practicing employment in Washington since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Deborah Murrell Whelihan is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Personal Injury. Deborah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Employment · General · Personal Injury
- Handles Employment, General, and Personal Injury matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Deborah Murrell Whelihan: Deborah Murrell Whelihan is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Personal Injury. Deborah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Deborah Murrell Whelihan
Deborah concentrates on employment, general, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Deborah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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General
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Personal Injury
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Employment cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Deborah takes employment matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deborah agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Deborah takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deborah agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Deborah takes personal injury matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deborah agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Deborah Murrell Whelihan — Over 40 years of District of Columbia employment experience
Deborah Murrell Whelihan is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Personal Injury. Deborah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP.
Deborah Murrell Whelihan is a lawyer practicing employment/labor, malpractice, personal injury. Deborah has been licensed for 40 years. Deborah practices at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Washington, DC.
Deborah's approach to employment cases
Deborah Murrell Whelihan is a lawyer practicing employment/labor, malpractice, personal injury. Deborah has been licensed for 40 years. Deborah practices at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Washington, DC.
The kind of cases Deborah takes
Deborah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, general, and personal injury matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Deborah Murrell Whelihan's legal education and bar admissions
Washington and Lee University School of Law
J.D. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Deborah's state bar admissions
Virginia
2016 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1988 · ACTIVE
Maryland
1986 · ACTIVE
Deborah studied at J.D. in Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Law school and academic background
Deborah completed J.D. in Washington and Lee University School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Deborah runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Deborah Murrell Whelihan's office in Washington
Deborah's primary office is at 1909 K Street, N.W., Suite 900, Washington, DC, 20006-1152. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
1909 K Street, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006-1152
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Deborah Murrell Whelihan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Deborah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Deborah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deborah's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Deborah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Deborah
Deborah discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Deborah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Deborah's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Deborah Murrell Whelihan
How much does it cost to hire Deborah for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Deborah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Deborah offer a free consultation?
Deborah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deborah's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Deborah's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Deborah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Deborah take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Deborah is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Deborah will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Deborah?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Deborah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Deborah accepting new employment clients right now?
Deborah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Deborah handles employment matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
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