Ms. Deborah Alison Gates

Deborah Alison Gates was born in Laguna Beach, California, and raised in Ketchum, Idaho. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University, where she also minored in Philosophy and Performing Arts. She earned her Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law in 2004.

During her time in law school, Ms. Gates gained valuable experience interning with the Department of Children and Household Services’ contracted law office, advocating for children in neglect cases, and with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, where she represented low-income individuals in criminal matters.

After completing her education, Deborah worked across diverse legal areas including bankruptcy, tax litigation, insurance defense, patent and copyright litigation, and asbestos defense. Currently, she is an associate counsel at Gulstrom, Henson & Roark, focusing on bankruptcy, divorce, child custody, and child support modification suits.

Her practice is divided into 40% bankruptcy, 40% family law, and 20% criminal law. Admitted to the Idaho Bar and the U.S. District Court District of Idaho in 2006, she is an active member of the legal community. Deborah has served as the Continuing Legal Education Chair for the Idaho State Bar’s Young Lawyers Section from 2010 to 2013 and is involved with the Idaho State Bar’s Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section.

Her previous roles include positions at Richard L. Alban Law Office, Jon R. Wilson Law Office, C. Grant King Law Office, Martin Martelle & Associates, and Heller Ehrman LLP.