PEOPLE

Deborah Autrey

Associate
autrey.deborah@dorsey.com

Overview

Deborah is adept at navigating complex legal situations to help executives, human resource leaders, and in-house legal teams minimize legal risks and create compliant, inclusive workplaces.

Deborah defends employers against various Title VII, ADA, and FMLA claims, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, representing them in litigation and before government agencies and state labor departments. Deborah also provides strategic guidance on DEI initiatives, high-risk discipline and termination decisions, and wage and hour issues.

Beyond litigation and defense, Deborah conducts high-stakes, confidential internal investigations with a strategic focus on mitigating risks and fostering a legally compliant, functionally sound workplace.

Deborah’s experience in public and private sectors allows her to understand clients' concerns, having been in their shoes. This perspective enables her to provide unique solutions and impart knowledge clearly and effectively.

Education & Admissions

University of Arkansas School of Law (J.D., 2018), Dean's List

University of Arkansas (B.A., English, Minor in Legal Studies, 2015)

Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Clerkships

  • Hennepin County District Court, Honorable Julie E. Allyn, 2020-2021

News & Resources

Events & Speaking Engagements

  • Presenter, Recent Executive Orders: Navigating Legal Practice Through the Lens of Humanity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Presenter, Navigating Leave for Legal Professionals with Disabilities
  • Presenter, Access, Advocacy, and Affinity: Tools for Developing Disability-Inclusive Practices
  • Presenter, Inclusive Language Matters: Exploring the Power of Our Words
  • Contributer, The Crown Act: Impact in the Workplace

Legal Writings

  • Author, “Navigating Leave for Legal Professionals with Disabilities.” Hennepin Lawyer, Vol. 2024–2025, No. 32, Feb. 24, 2025.
  • Contributing Author, Internal Employment Investigations Handbook (Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, 2nd Edition, 2025).
  • Author, “Success from the Bottom: A New Lawyer’s Perspective.” Bench & Bar Minnesota, LXXVI, 2019, at 10-11.
  • Author, “A Spa Day for Your Brain.” With Equal Right, LXXII, no. III, 20 Apr. 2022.
  • Author, “MWL Member Spotlight: Deborah Autrey.” With Equal Right, LXX, no. III, 2020.
  • Contributor, “Regulating Wage Theft.” 94 Wash. L. Rev. 759 (2019).

Industries & Practices

Government Contracts Counseling & Litigation
Government Solutions & Investigations
Nonprofit & Tax Exempt Organizations
  • Banking & Financial Institutions
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Corporate Governance & Compliance
  • Electronic Discovery
  • Energy & Natural Resources
  • Food, Beverage & Agribusiness
  • Government Contracts Counseling & Litigation
  • Government Solutions & Investigations
  • Healthcare & Life Sciences
  • Labor & Employment
  • Labor & Employment Guides
  • Nonprofit & Tax Exempt Organizations
  • Pro Bono

Professional & Civic

Professional Achievements

  • Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) (2019-present)
    • Board Director (2020-present)
    • Former Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair (2020-2024)
    • Former Publications Co-Chair & Editor (2020-2022)
  • Black Women Attorneys Founder & Co-Chair (2023-present)
  • Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL) – Member (2019-present)

Accolades

  • 2023 Service to MWL Award: In recognition of leadership to advance the mission of Minnesota Women Lawyers.