DEBORAH GETTLEMAN

Deborah Gettleman is a seasoned civil rights lawyer. Prior to joining DMG, Deborah worked at Disability Rights California, a renowned disability rights advocacy and litigation nonprofit.  As a Supervising Attorney in the Litigation Unit, Deborah represented people with disabilities in state and federal lawsuits to enforce and expand their rights to equality under the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act and Fair Housing Laws. Deborah also successfully petitioned the California Supreme Court to review Reilly v. Marin Hous. Auth., 23 Cal.App.5th 425 (2018), a decision that will impact the way rent is calculated for thousands of Californians living in federally-subsidized housing who care for family members with developmental disabilities.

Prior to Disability Rights California, Deborah worked at Legal Services of Northern California representing tenants in housing litigation. Working on behalf of hundreds of struggling Californians during the foreclosure crisis solidified her commitment to fighting for the rights of all people to have access to safe and equal housing. During her time at Legal Services, she tried dozens of cases in Superior Court and in administrative hearings.

Deborah frequently presents at conferences, to business entities and to consumers about disability rights and fair housing laws.  She serves on a coalition of housing and disability rights attorneys which provides comments to the Fair Employment and Housing Council regarding proposed changes to fair housing regulations.

Deborah is a graduate of the UC Davis School of Law.  During law school she was an extern for the Honorable Lawrence K. Karlton, U.S.D.C., Eastern District of California, and a clerk in the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office.  Upon graduation, she earned the MLK Public Service Award, given annually to honor the student who best exemplifies Dr. King’s vision and commitment to public service.