Deborah Gates was born in Laguna Beach, California & raised in Ketchum, Idaho. In 2000, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University, graduating with minors in Philosophy & Performing Arts. In 2004, Ms. Gates earned her juris doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law where she was a criminal law research assistant..
During law school, Ms. Gates interned for Dependency Court Legal Services under the Department of Child & Family Services representing abused children & juvenile offenders. Ms. Gates also interned for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office representing low income individuals in criminal matters as well as juvenile offenders. After graduating from law school, Ms. Gates worked in the areas of bankruptcy, tax litigation, criminal defense, and family law. Ms. Gates joins Barrera Legal Group as a contract associate, specializing in bankruptcy, divorce, child custody & support, & modification cases, as well as criminal defense matters.
Professional Associations and Membership
Idaho State Bar’s Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section, 2012-2013
Idaho State Bar’s Young Lawyers Section; Continuing Legal Education Chair 2010 – 2013
