Debra L. Roth

Debra L. Roth is a nationally recognized federal and public sector employment lawyer  and a partner at Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C. who represents career and political executives, managers, supervisors, law enforcement officers, and federal agencies. She handles misconduct and performance actions, employment discrimination matters, security clearance and suitability proceedings, and sensitive workplace investigations. She also advises small private employers on anti-discrimination laws, employment contracts, EEO training, civil rights investigations, and human resources policies and compliance procedures for employers.

Debra earned her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law. She earned her B.A. from Boston University. She is admitted in the District of Columbia, the US District Court for the District of Columbia, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the US Court of Federal Claims, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the US Supreme Court in federal employment matters.

Debra represents clients before the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, federal district courts, courts of appeals, and the US Supreme Court. She has handled constitutional and statutory public sector litigation involving the Appointments Clause and Fifth Amendment Due Process Clause. She has also served as private defense counsel for federal employees in Bivens and Religious Freedom Restoration Act matters when conflicts prevent direct Justice Department representation.

Debra L. Roth has developed a national reputation for handling sensitive federal personnel matters with discretion, strategic judgment, and detailed preparation. She served as General Counsel to the Senior Executives Association from 2013 through 2025 and frequently lectures on federal employment law. She has also appeared on 60 Minutes discussing the Merit Systems Protection Board and continues to advise clients on complex investigations, employment disputes, and appellate matters nationwide effectively.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C.
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law
• Member of Board of Governors, Federal Circuit Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia

Education

• American University Washington College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges