Debbie Faulkner
The attorney other professionals call when the stakes are high and the strategy must be right.
A Different Kind
of Attorney
Debbie Faulkner doesn't prepare documents — she engineers outcomes. With 20+ years of practice and a background spanning Ivy League law, Big Law private client work, and advanced tax planning, she brings a rare depth of perspective to every client relationship.
Her passion for this work is deeply personal. Watching her mother navigate the complexities of probate while grieving taught Debbie that no one should face major legal decisions during their most vulnerable moments. That conviction became the foundation of The Faulkner Firm.
Before opening her own practice, Debbie worked inside a large international law firm assisting ultra-high-net-worth families with complex generational wealth planning. She brought that expertise back to Palm Harbor — making exceptional, highly personalized counsel available to the families and businesses of Tampa Bay who deserve it most.
"I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every family and every business deserves a plan built around their actual life — not a template."
The Path That Built This Practice
From Presidential Scholar at 19 to Big Law and back home to Tampa Bay — every step shaped her approach to client counsel today.
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Age 19 · Stetson University
Presidential Scholarship — Youngest in University History
Received the Presidential Scholarship at age 19, graduating cum laude as one of the youngest graduates in Stetson's history since its founding in 1883.
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Cornell Law School
Juris Doctor — Ivy League Legal Training
First in her family to complete graduate-level education. Earned her J.D. from one of the nation's preeminent law schools. Interned with the U.S. Attorney's Office and clerked at the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida — gaining rare courtroom and federal practice experience early in her career.
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2012 · Washington University in St. Louis
LL.M. in Taxation — Advanced Tax & Estate Planning
Returned to graduate school to master sophisticated estate and tax planning — the disciplines that form the backbone of her practice every day. This advanced credential sets her apart from general practice attorneys.
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Big Law · International Firm
Private Client & Wealth Management Division
Joined a large international law firm assisting ultra-high-net-worth families with every dimension of generational wealth planning. The "silk-stocking" experience — working with multi-generational family offices, complex trusts, and high-stakes business transactions — shaped her strategic approach to every client matter.
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2013 · Palm Harbor, Florida
Founded The Faulkner Firm, P.A.
Returned to her hometown with a clear mission: deliver expert-level, deeply personalized legal counsel to the families and businesses of Pinellas County — without requiring a Manhattan zip code or a Wall Street budget. Now serving clients across all of Tampa Bay and beyond.
Recognized by Peers, Trusted by Clients
Peer recognition means the legal community validates what our clients already experience — consistently exceptional, strategic counsel.
Super Lawyers · 2020–2026
Awarded to only the top 5% of experienced attorneys statewide. Named by her peers every single year since first becoming eligible — a distinction held for six consecutive years.
Rising Star Attorney
Held for four consecutive years, until she had too many years of practice to qualify — awarded to a mere 2.5% of Florida attorneys under 40. She aged out of the category, not out of excellence.
Certified Legal Instructor
Has taught continuing legal education for The Florida Bar and the National Business Institute. Practicing attorneys take her courses to stay current — she teaches the instructors.
Top 40 Under 40 · Florida
Nationally recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 estate planning attorneys in Florida for three consecutive years by a national legal excellence society.
Published Author · Actionline
Published in Actionline, the statewide journal of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar — writing for the legal profession, not just the public.
Board of Directors · The Kimberly Home
Serves on the board of this Clearwater pregnancy resource center — one of four causes she actively champions through board service, volunteer work, and philanthropic support.
How We
Do This Work
This is not a transactional firm. Every client engagement is a long-term strategic relationship built on trust, transparency, and a genuine commitment to your outcomes — not just your documents.
We explain everything clearly. You shouldn't need a law degree to understand your own plan.
We build plans around your life, your values, and your goals — not a template.
We work proactively — anticipating problems before they become costly crises.
We are your strategic partner for the long term, not just your document preparer.
"Debra Faulkner could not have been more professional and knowledgeable — and even more than that, I left feeling that she really cared. I never felt rushed. She was patient and explained everything thoroughly. Everyone there was courteous and professional. I highly recommend The Faulkner Firm."
Lee · Estate Planning Client · Verified Google ReviewReady to experience this yourself?
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