Deborah R. Stambaugh is an experienced litigator whose practice focuses on disputes relating to business contracts, construction, insurance, real estate development, employment, business associations, and nonprofit entities.

Prior to joining Wisler Pearlstine, Ms. Stambaugh had her own litigation firm in Wynnewood, PA. Before that, she was a Shareholder with the firm of Bauman & Dow, P.C. in Albuquerque, NM, where she handled all phases of litigation from discovery through trial and appeals. Ms. Stambaugh excels at simplifying complex problems and achieving client goals.

In 2020, the Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania (est. 1774) elected Ms. Stambaugh as their “Church Attorney.” In that role, she assists the Diocese in investigating and resolving clergy ethics matters.

Ms. Stambaugh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned her law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law (2009) where she received the Dean’s Award, was President of the Business Law Society, and participated in the American Bar Association Moot Court.

Representative Matters

• The Episcopal Church, Title IV Matter – Represented clergy person wrongfully accused of violating disciplinary cannons and obtained reversal of suspension by appealing to the Conference Panel of the Regional Disciplinary Board.
• CertaPro Painters, LTD., v. Kaizen Associates, Inc. EDPA 2:21-cv-02753 – Negotiated confidential settlement agreement after franchisor filed a complaint seeking, in part, to enjoin the former franchisee from operating a painting business.
• Manayunk Flood Claim – Negotiated substantial settlement after NFIP insurer wrongfully denied payment of claim for flood damage.
• Paul v. R&M International Sales, EDPA 21-cv-3049 – Positioned client for favorable settlement of employment lawsuit through motion for summary judgment including original analysis of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
• Geerlings v. Tredyffrin School District, EDPA 21-cv-4024 – Defended school district from preliminary injunction motion by parents who claimed religious exemption to COVID-19 mask requirements.
• Wrongful Death Estate of Cedrick Kober v. Espinoza et al., D-101-cv-00024 – Litigated and settled wrongful death dram shop case in Taos, N.M.
• Alpha Alpha, LLC v Avalon Jubilee, LLC et al., D-1314-cv-2017-01419 – Ousted holdover manager, and recovered assets wrongfully taken by manager of a real estate development company.
• Sanchez v. U.S. Dept. of Energy, 870 F.3d 1185 (10th Cir.) – Developed a carve-out to Dept. of Navy v. Egan such that federal employees with disabilities whose Human Reliability Program clearances are revoked due to a disability may recover under the Rehabilitation Act for a subsequent adverse employment decision.
• Dove v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 399 P.3d 400 (N.M. Ct App) cert. denied. No S-1-SC-36432 – Won summary judgment declaring that an insurer breached the duty to defend personal injury litigation and drafted winning memorandum brief after insurer appealed.
• Martinez v. Bar-M Constr. et al., NMDC D-1214-CV-2011-0446 – Won a jury trial on construction defects claim.
• Murphy v. Homesite Indemnity Company, D-101-cv-2015 – Won summary judgment declaring that an insurer breached its duty to defend potentially covered wrongful death lawsuit.
• Berkley Regional Ins. Co. v. SB Oilfield Services, LLC, D.N.M. 16-cv-0251 – Defended insured in declaratory judgment action and negotiated settlement of both the underlying litigation and the insurance claims.
• Hartenberger et al. v. High Desert Investment Corporation, et al. D-1239-cv-2012-02350 – Settled a contentious and publicly reported class action lawsuit against High Desert Investment Company regarding formation of a public improvement district.
• Mancinelli v. Short et al., D-202-cv-2014-02045 – Favorably settled construction defects lawsuit against custom home builder.
• Solomon v. Santa Fe Blue Spruce Builders, D-101-cv-2014-00094 – Favorably settled lawsuit against custom home builder and seller of custom home.
• Natesa Investments, LLC v. Kholwad Investments, LLC, D-202-cv-2011-03285 – Represented hotelier in litigation following sale of limited liability company membership.

Personal Interests

When not practicing law. Ms. Stambaugh enjoys gardening and hiking.