Debra Postil is a Senior Associate at Slater Slater Schulman, where she represents survivors of sexual abuse. Debra brings over 20 years of experience, focusing her practice on the Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding (JCCP), where she represents incarcerated individuals who survive sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers and correctional facilities across California.

Debra is a relentless advocate who stands beside her clients. She takes the time to guide survivors through each step of the legal process, making sure they understand their rights and feel supported along the way. Debra is committed to helping her clients find their voice and holding wrongdoers accountable, with a no-stone-left-unturned approach to every case–– because she believes the legal process can be part of the healing journey and walks that path with her clients from start to finish.

Prior to joining the firm, Debra spent 16 years as a Deputy District Attorney in Riverside County, prosecuting complex felony cases—including sexual assault, domestic violence, gang crimes, and homicide—and trying 43 cases to verdict. She later transitioned to complex civil litigation, where she managed over 300 childhood sexual assault cases. Debra has litigated personal injury claims against major corporations such as Amazon, FedEx, and DoorDash, and has served as a panel attorney with Appellate Defenders, Inc., representing indigent incarcerated clients in criminal appeals and safeguarding their constitutional rights.

Debra’s dedication to underserved communities extends beyond the courtroom. She co-founded Women Wonder Writers, bringing arts and creative writing programs into schools, juvenile halls, and California prisons through the Arts in Corrections initiative. As Executive Director for a decade, she developed curriculum (The Write of Your L!fe), published books, and mentored youth and individuals impacted by incarceration — work that earned her the Community Hero Award. She also received the 2023 UCLA Bruin Excellence in Civic Engagement Award and was recognized as Top Oralist in the Hispanic National Bar Association Moot Court Competition during law school.

Throughout her career, Debra has focused on youth advocacy and justice reform. She has worked in juvenile court, co-founded the Jurupa Valley Student Court, and served on the boards of the California Association of Youth Courts and Gateway College and Career Academy. She also gave a TEDx talk, “Let’s Rewrite the School-to-Prison Pipeline,” reflecting her commitment to creating better opportunities and alternative paths for young people.

Outside of her legal practice, Debra has a lifelong love of the arts. She grew up dancing ballet folklórico, and continues to enjoy salsa dancing today. She believes in the power of art and storytelling to inspire change, and has written children’s books addressing domestic violence as well as legal thrillers that explore serious issues such as sex trafficking, gangs, and child abuse.

Debra earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her J.D. from Loyola Law School. She has been a valued member of the Slater Slater Schulman team since 2026 and is licensed to practice in California State Courts and the  U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Admitted:

• California State Courts
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

• Sexual Abuse

• Juris Doctor Degree – Loyola Law School
• B.A. in Political Science – The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)