About Debra S.

Debra S. Herndon serves as a Senior Associate Attorney at Laura Dale & Associates, P.C., located in Houston, Texas. Since joining the firm in 2014, she has dedicated her practice to family law matters. Her expertise encompasses a range of issues, including divorce, adoption, custody disputes, paternity cases, and mediation. In recognition of her proficiency, Debra is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction that shows her commitment to excellence in this field. Her educational background is impressive and foundational to her legal career — Debra earned her Juris Doctorate from Tulane University School of Law in 2000.

Prior to her legal education, she obtained a Master of Social Work in Child Welfare from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1997. This degree provided her with critical insights into the social dynamics that often accompany family law cases. Earlier, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Queens College in 1995, further enhancing her understanding of societal structures and family systems. Before her tenure at Laura Dale & Associates, P.C., Debra worked as an Associate Attorney at Holmes, Diggs & Eames, PLLC from 2009 to 2014. Her role there allowed her to hone her skills in family law, preparing her for the challenges she would face at her current firm. Additionally, she worked at Allison Jones & Associates, P.C.

from 2000 to 2009, where she further developed her legal acumen and built a solid foundation in family law practice. Debra is actively involved in the legal community. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Houston Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the Fort Bend Family Bar Association. Her commitment to family law is also reflected in her membership in the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists and the Association of Women Attorneys. These affiliations not only keep her connected to the latest developments in family law but also provide her with a network of support and collaboration. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed.

In 2013 and 2015, Houstonia Magazine recognized her as one of "Houston's Top Lawyers," highlighting her reputation among peers and clients alike. Additionally, she received the "Client's Choice Award" from Avvo in 2012, evidence of her dedication to client satisfaction. Outside of her professional life, Debra is married to Michael Herndon, who is also an Associate Attorney at Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. Together, they share a commitment to the legal profession and to serving their community.

Education

Tulane University School of Law

Juris Doctorate

2000

State University of New York - College at Buffalo (Buffalo State College)

Master of Social Work in Child Welfare (1997)

1997

City University of New York - Queens College

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (1995)

1995

Languages

English (Spoken)

Experience

Senior Associate Lawyer

Laura Dale & Associates, PC
2014

Associate Lawyer

Holmes, Diggs & Eames, PLLC
2009

Associate Lawyer

Allison Jones & Associates, PC
2000

Accepted Jurisdictions

Texas

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas U.S. District Court

Types of Cases Handled

divorce adoption custody issues paternity mediation

Legal Services Scope

Trial court Appellate court

Certifications & Awards

Board Certified in Family Law

Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Professional Associations

Fort Bend Family Bar Association

has membership Current

Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists

has membership Current

Association of Women Lawyers

has membership Current

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About Laura Dale & Associates, P.C.
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About Laura Dale & Associates, P.C.