Deborah I. Ecker

Deborah I. Ecker is a partner with Brody, Hardoon, Perkins and Kesten, LLP. Ms. Ecker has conducted numerous jury trials in Massachusetts Superior Courts and in the United States District Court. She has also argued appellate matters before the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court, and has appeared before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Practice Areas

Ms. Ecker focuses her practice on municipal liability, employment law, civil rights matters, land use, and general liability. 

In her municipal practice, Ms. Ecker has represented municipalities against whistleblower claims, discrimination claims, claims for violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment complaints as well as First Amendment and civil rights matters.  She has represented various municipal Boards in lawsuits based on their land use decisions, including eminent domain and matters brought before Town Zoning and Planning Boards.

In her employment law practice, Ms. Ecker has successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants in employment discrimination claims, sexual harassment claims, and claims for wrongful termination.  She regularly provides pre-litigation counseling to public and private employers about employment related matters.  Ms. Ecker completed the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination's certification program on conducting investigations into employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation claims and conducts investigations into such complaints for employers. 

Prior Experience

Ms. Ecker joined Brody, Hardoon, Perkins and Kesten, LLP following eight years as an Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. As an Assistant Attorney General in the Trial Division, Ms. Ecker defended the Commonwealth in all phases of litigation involving employment law, constitutional law, regulatory construction, and tort claims. During her appointment as Special Assistant Attorney General for Health Care, Ms. Ecker coordinated the Attorney General's health care agenda and prosecuted civil and criminal matters related to health care. In the Regulated Industries Division, Ms. Ecker handled rate case litigation before administrative tribunals involving regulated industries.

Ms. Ecker grew up outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.