• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar

Willig, Williams & Davidson

Tagline

  • Overview
  • Experience
  • Blogs
  • Resources
  • Practices
Firm Social
Site Tools

sidebar-alt

Deborah R. Willig
Alternate image for Deborah R. Willig

Deborah R. Willig

Managing Partner

dwillig@wwdlaw.com
215.656.3666

Philadelphia

1845 Walnut Street, 24th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103

  • ‘It’s Always the Right Time to Do the Right Thing’
  • National Women’s Soccer League Players Association and Willig, Williams & Davidson Secure Free Agency Rights for Veteran Players
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2023 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Amy Rosenberger Named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Philadelphia in Labor Law for Unions
  • Deborah Willig Speaks at National Labor-Management Conference, ‘Future@Work: Reimagining the Workplace’
  • 13 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2022 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Two Named ‘Lawyers of the Year’ in Employee Benefits, Union Law
  • 17 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2021 PA Super Lawyers, Managing Partner Named Among Top Attorneys in State
  • 5 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Selected as 2021 ‘Women Leaders In The Law’
  • 15 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2021 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Nancy B.G. Lassen Named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Philadelphia Labor Law
  • Deborah R. Willig Named Among Top 10 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • 16 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2020 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Hazardous Conditions at the Philadelphia School District Prompt Deborah R. Willig on Behalf of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to File a Lawsuit
  • Deborah R. Willig Files Suit on Behalf of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Against Philadelphia School District Over Handling of Asbestos
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Named Among 2020 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2019 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Deborah R. Willig Receives Inquirer Influencer of Law Honor
  • 15 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2019 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Partners Named in Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2018 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Managing Partner to Participate on Philadelphia Business Journal Women in Law Panel
  • 6ABC Interviews Deborah R. Willig about the Rise of Sexual Misconduct Complaints
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers Names Willig, Williams & Davidson a 2016 ‘Best Law Firm’
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner Ralph J. Teti Elected to College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
  • 12 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named to 2016 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • Deb Willig Provides Insights to Thomson Reuters on How to Make Your Business a Great Place to Work
  • 11 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2015 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Managing Partner Deborah R. Willig Selected by Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf for Transition Review Team
  • ‘It’s Always the Right Time to Do the Right Thing’
  • National Women’s Soccer League Players Association and Willig, Williams & Davidson Secure Free Agency Rights for Veteran Players
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2023 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Amy Rosenberger Named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Philadelphia in Labor Law for Unions
  • Deborah Willig Speaks at National Labor-Management Conference, ‘Future@Work: Reimagining the Workplace’
  • 13 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2022 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Two Named ‘Lawyers of the Year’ in Employee Benefits, Union Law
  • 17 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2021 PA Super Lawyers, Managing Partner Named Among Top Attorneys in State
  • 5 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Selected as 2021 ‘Women Leaders In The Law’
  • 15 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2021 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Nancy B.G. Lassen Named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Philadelphia Labor Law
  • Deborah R. Willig Named Among Top 10 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • 16 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2020 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • U.S. Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Revised 3.24.20)
  • Hazardous Conditions at the Philadelphia School District Prompt Deborah R. Willig on Behalf of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to File a Lawsuit
  • Deborah R. Willig Files Suit on Behalf of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Against Philadelphia School District Over Handling of Asbestos
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Named Among 2020 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2019 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Deborah R. Willig Receives Inquirer Influencer of Law Honor
  • 15 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2019 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Partners Named in Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2018 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Managing Partner to Participate on Philadelphia Business Journal Women in Law Panel
  • 6ABC Interviews Deborah R. Willig about the Rise of Sexual Misconduct Complaints
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers Names Willig, Williams & Davidson a 2016 ‘Best Law Firm’
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner Ralph J. Teti Elected to College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
  • 12 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named to 2016 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • Deb Willig Provides Insights to Thomson Reuters on How to Make Your Business a Great Place to Work
  • 11 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2015 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Managing Partner Deborah R. Willig Selected by Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf for Transition Review Team

Unions and workers today are in the fight of their lives, battling to retain jobs, increase wages, protect benefits and strengthen the right to organize. They want Deborah Willig—a lifelong champion of workers—on their side. Best Lawyers Award Badge

A trailblazer and sought-after workers’ advocate, Deborah has handled labor relations and employment law for more than four decades. She advises and negotiates on behalf of labor unions whose members represent a broad cross section of the labor market. As part of the core negotiating team for some of the region’s most significant labor contracts, she has helped to secure fair outcomes—raising wages, improving living standards, protecting pension and health care benefits and ensuring that rules are equitable and properly enforced.

Among Deborah’s union clients are teachers and public-school employees; public health, social services, library and recreation workers; firefighters, teamsters, musicians, cafeteria, and hotel and restaurant employees. For decades Deborah has been involved in every collective bargaining negotiations between City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia and their respective Union employees.

Deborah’s work for public and private sector unions includes interest and grievance arbitrations as well as providing guidance regarding internal governance and staff matters. She also represents Trustees in jointly administered public and private sector health and welfare funds and is highly skilled at analyzing health benefit plan designs and costs and advising clients on their impact. Among her multiple successes in negotiating health care and other benefits, Deborah secured a major arbitration victory requiring a large Philadelphia employer to provide domestic partner benefits years before they were commonplace.

As the Managing Partner of Willig, Williams & Davidson, Deborah carefully oversees the hiring of equally dedicated lawyers to foster a culture of inclusion, advocacy, community and service. As a result of these efforts, the firm is home to strategic and proactive lawyers who believe in what they do and work to protect the rights of workers.

Super Lawyers Top 10 PA Badge

The first female Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association in 1992, Deborah shattered the glass ceiling and set the stage for women as leaders in the legal profession. She continues to serve workers and lawyers by presenting at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Temple University Beasley School of Law and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Deborah has been recognized for her work and advocacy in numerous ways, including with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Legal Intelligencer Lifetime Achievement Award, the Sandra Day O’Connor Award from the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Distinction Award, the Labor Human Rights Award from the Jewish Labor Committee, The Agent of Change Award from Women's Way, the Israel Labor Medal from the State of Israel Bonds, the Vocational Service Award from the Rotary Club of Philadelphia, and the Outstanding Service Award from Pennsylvania Citizen's Action. She was also selected by a nationwide group of peers as a Member of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.

WHAT INSPIRES ME ABOUT MY WORK

“We help our clients when they, their loved ones or their rights are in peril. We fight for justice on their behalf—we fight on the side of the angels to level the playing field. I work with a fabulous team of motivated lawyers who come from union backgrounds and families. It’s an inspiration to work on behalf of dedicated clients alongside a stellar team. I love what I do; I love who I do it for and I love who I do it with!”

AWAY FROM WORK

“My pursuits have changed over the years. Today I love spending time with my daughter, and I enjoy sitting on the beach listening to a playlist of some of my favorites—Carole King, James Taylor, The Beatles, Nancy LaMott and The Philadelphia Orchestra.”

  • Led the Core Negotiating Team for every collective bargaining agreement between the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the School District of Philadelphia.
  • Led the Core Negotiating Team for almost every collective bargaining agreement between the City of Philadelphia and its white-collar workers in AFSCME since 1980.
  • Led the Negotiating Team for every contract between the United Steelworkers and Merck Pharmaceutical since 2010.
  • Successfully arbitrated the entitlement to Domestic Partnership benefits for employees of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
  • 5 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Selected as 2021 ‘Women Leaders In The Law’
  • 15 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2021 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Nancy B.G. Lassen Named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Philadelphia Labor Law
  • Deborah R. Willig Named Among Top 10 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • Deborah R. Willig Files Suit on Behalf of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Against Philadelphia School District Over Handling of Asbestos
  • 16 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2020 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • U.S. Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Revised 3.24.20)
  • Hazardous Conditions at the Philadelphia School District Prompt Deborah R. Willig on Behalf of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to File a Lawsuit
  • 15 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2019 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2019 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2018 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • 12 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named to 2016 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • 11 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2015 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Managing Partner Deborah R. Willig Selected by Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf for Transition Review Team
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner Ralph J. Teti Elected to College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers Names Willig, Williams & Davidson a 2016 ‘Best Law Firm’
  • Deb Willig Provides Insights to Thomson Reuters on How to Make Your Business a Great Place to Work
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Partners Named in Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide
  • Deborah R. Willig Receives Inquirer Influencer of Law Honor
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Named Among 2020 ‘Best Lawyers in America’
  • Willig, Williams & Davidson Managing Partner to Participate on Philadelphia Business Journal Women in Law Panel
  • 6ABC Interviews Deborah R. Willig about the Rise of Sexual Misconduct Complaints
  • 17 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2021 PA Super Lawyers, Managing Partner Named Among Top Attorneys in State
  • 13 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2022 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Two Named ‘Lawyers of the Year’ in Employee Benefits, Union Law
  • Deborah Willig Speaks at National Labor-Management Conference, ‘Future@Work: Reimagining the Workplace’
  • 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2023 ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Amy Rosenberger Named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Philadelphia in Labor Law for Unions
  • ‘It’s Always the Right Time to Do the Right Thing’
  • National Women’s Soccer League Players Association and Willig, Williams & Davidson Secure Free Agency Rights for Veteran Players
  • Articles + News Coverage

Education

  • Temple University, James E. Beasley School of Law (J.D., 1975)
    • Dean’s List; Commencement Speaker, Class of 1975;
    • President, Student Bar Association (first female to serve as President)
  • University of Pennsylvania (B.A., cum laude, 1971)

Honors and Awards

  • Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania, 2022
  • Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, 2022
  • Top 100 Philadelphia Super Lawyers, 2022
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 1989 - present
  • Super Lawyers, 2004 - present
  • City & State Pennsylvania Law Power 100, 2022
  • Suburban Magazine Top Attorney, 2021
  • Philadelphia Business Journal Best of the Bar, 2021
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Philadelphia Inquirer, 2019
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyer, 2018
  • Top Rated Lawyer, American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell™, 2013, 2014
  • Fellow in Labor, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2014
  • The Legal Intelligencer Lifetime Achievement Award, 2013
  • Bob Kyler Ambassador of Hope Award, City of Hope and the Tri-State Labor & Management Council, 2012
  • Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Distinction Award, 2010
  • The Legal Intelligencer Women Lawyers of Distinction Award, 2010
  • Selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list, Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2004 to Present
  • Temple University League for Entrepreneurial Women Hall of Fame, 2009
  • Martindale - Hubbell®, AV Rated
  • Founder’s Day Award, Temple Law Alumni Association, 2002
  • Agent of Change Award, Women’s Way, 2002
  • Sandra Day O'Connor Award, Philadelphia Bar Association, 1995
  • Labor Human Rights Award, Jewish Labor Committee, 1994
  • Israel Labor Medal, State of Israel Bonds, 1993
  • Mary Philbrook Award, Women's Law Caucus of Rutgers Law School, 1993
  • Vocational Service Award, Rotary Club of Philadelphia, 1993
  • Attorney of the Year Award, Jewish National Fund, 1992
  • Achievement Award, American Association of University Women, 1992
  • Achievement Award, Temple University Women's Law Caucus, 1992
  • Rosh Pinah Award, American Jewish Congress, 1991
  • Outstanding Service Award, Pennsylvania Citizens’ Action, 1990
  • Spirit of Life Award, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1987

Associations

Professional

  • Board Chair, French International School of Philadelphia, 2008 to 2018
  • Board Member, French International School of Philadelphia, 2006 to Present
  • Governor Wolf’s Transition Review Team, Committee on Labor and Industry, 2014
  • Fellow, Labor, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2014 to Present
  • AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee, 1982 to Present
  • American Bar Association, 1975 to Present
  • Philadelphia Bar Association, 1975 to Present
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1975 to Present
  • District of Columbia Bar Association, 1978 to Present
  • Pennsylvania Association for Justice (formerly Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association), 1986 to Present
  • National Association of Women Lawyers, 1990 to Present
  • American Arbitration Association, Philadelphia Region Labor Advisory Committee, 1992 to 2000
  • Board of Visitors, Temple University School of Law, 1992 to 1996
  • Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Hearing Committee, 1979 to 1986
  • Philadelphia Bar Foundation, 1986 to 1993
  • Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, 1983 to Present
  • Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society, 1980 to Present
  • Temple University Law Alumni Executive Committee, 1976 to 1982

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania, 1975

Court Admissions

  • United, States, Supreme Court, 1975
  • U.S. District Court for the, Eastern District of, Pennsylvania, 1975
  • Bar of the Court of Appeals of the, District of Columbia, 1978
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the, Third, Circuit, 1980
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the, District of Columbia, 1980

Judicial Clerkships

  • Honorable Lisa A. Richette, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, 1975-1976

Employment

  • Willig, Williams & Davidson, Managing Partner, 1979-Present
  • Markowitz & Kirschner, Associate, 1976-1979
  • Honorable Lisa A. Richette, Law Clerk, 1975-1976
  • Governor's Commission on the Status of Women, Summers 1973 & 1974

sidebar

  • Philadelphia
  • Harrisburg
  • Haddonfield
  • Jenkintown
  • Chicago
  • 215.656.3600
© 2023 Willig, Williams & Davidson. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
  • People
  • Practices
  • Our Firm
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact