DP Resolutions:
When you need a diligent, objective, practical facilitator who achieves results.
Achieving Resolution Through Strategic Facilitation
Litigation
Debra has been both a plaintiff and defense lawyer in numerous litigation areas. Whether the parties desire to resolve a dispute pre-litigation or the case is well underway, she will objectively dig into the facts and law and empower the parties to reach a resolution that moves their situation forward. Debra knows how much time, intellectual capital, and money attorneys invest in the litigation process, their brief writing, and in preparation for trial—she’s been there. Litigants want a mediator who will acknowledge and respect their efforts to present the strongest possible case. They will appreciate Debra’s style because she carefully evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case, evidentiary issues, and the litigants’ respective risk tolerance. She will explore economic and non-economic damages, and/or equitable remedies. Debra will be thorough.
Intra-Entity Challenges & Policy Matters
There are times an entity needs a fresh set of eyes to facilitate resolution of major policy decisions or to solve a challenging intra-entity dispute or issue. Debra thrives on the energy of bringing together all stakeholders and brainstorming solutions. She facilitated discussions and guided an organization through revisions to more than 125 policies and procedures—tackling the areas of human resources, risk management, safety, security, information technology and finance. She has also collaborated with numerous legislative bodies and governmental entities on important legislation, ordinances and intergovernmental contracts. Debra will listen to all stakeholder viewpoints and concerns, look for common ground to narrow the issues, and guide healthy debate to reach a consensus on issues where there are opposing viewpoints.
Get to Know
Debra Pospiech, Esq.
During her nearly 40-year career in the legal field—20 years as a practicing attorney—Debra has built an impressive resume of experience that includes:
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Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
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Attorney at Law – Private Practice, Morgan & Meyers, P.C.
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Deputy Treasurer for Tax, City of Detroit, Office of Chief Financial Officer
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Special Assistant to Carol O'Cleireacain, Deputy Mayor for Economic Policy, Planning & Strategy, City of Detroit
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Staff Attorney – Legal Policy Analyst, City of Detroit - Research and Analysis Division
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Director of Policy to Detroit City Council President Pro-Tem Gary Brown
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Chief of Policy to Detroit City Council Member Sheila M. Cockrel
Debra has an incomparable breadth of knowledge in numerous areas of law including constitutional issues, construction law, contract disputes, defamation, employment law, governmental immunity, municipal law, nuisance, personal injury, probate, product liability, rate setting, real property, and whistleblower. She had the privilege of working with two great litigation champions, Courtney Morgan and Jeffrey Meyers, on numerous multi-million-dollar cases. Also, she served Detroit residents and businesses as general counsel for the water and sewerage department, encompassing all areas of law on plaintiff and defense side, as well as negotiating contracts.
Debra had the honor of working for Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and for Gary Brown in his roles as City Council President Pro-Tem and then Director of the Water and Sewerage Department. She proudly served the residents of business in Detroit setting and reforming important public policy matters, and drafting ordinances and legislation related to lead remediation, scrap metal, stormwater management, water affordability, city taxes, and many others. She has negotiated and drafted numerous intergovernmental agreements, and performed lobbying
and advocacy activities.
Her interest in public policy carried over into volunteer activities, where Debra served as a facilitator and board member for Citizen Detroit, a non-profit organization focusing on voter education and engagement, civil discourse, and public policy decision-making.
Personal
With her husband Richard’s strong support, Debra completed her bachelor and law degrees while they raised their two children--Richard who is a professional mechanical engineer. and Jessica who is a family law attorney. The biggest joy and blessing in her life is her rainbow grandson, Barrett Parker, born in March of 2022.
When she’s not caring for family or catching up on nerd reading (a good biography or political junkie materials beat out fiction every time), you will find Debra in her
happy place—her garden.
Education
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Bachelor of Science Degree from Madonna University, with highest honors
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Law Degree from Wayne State University
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Licensed to Practice in Michigan and U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
Distinctions
Crain’s Notables in General Counsel 2022
Completed ICLE 40-Hour General Civil Mediation Training
Detroit Bar Association Director 2025-2027 Term
Madonna University Paralegal Studies Program Advisory Board Member