Debra L. Chernick Esq.
Of Counsel
Debra L. Chernick is a General Practitioner who takes families from birth to death. Her practice began in 1982 and she quickly realized the cycle of major events in a client’s life. Whether it be buying one’s first home, the birth of a child, divorce or death of a parent, all these events signal a need for representation. Debra has successfully guided many families through their joys and sorrows, combining her legal knowledge and expertise with a touch of social work and good humor.
Her practice is now multi-generational from the estate work of the grandparent to the simple wills for the young family. She provides responsive, sympathetic and personable counsel to her varied individual clients, providing innovative yet practical solutions to their pressing problems.
Born and raised in Rhode Island, she brings a new energy to Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP as lead counsel in our Wakefield office. As past President of the Washington County Bar Association, Attorney Chernick continues to serve as a delegate to the Rhode Island Bar Association House of delegates and is an active member on both the Nominations and Law Day Committees. She participates in the South County Business Alliance along with associated community projects. Debra is the creator of www.para-kin.com, a website devoted to redefining the terms of family in today’s modern world.
Phone:
401-789-1616
Email:
dchernick@srt-law.com
Bar Admissions:


Areas of Practice
I am currently a client of Debra L. Chernick, the legal counsel in your Wakefield office who has been handling both my divorce case and the title transfer of my home. Throughout the time of my working with Debra, not only has she provided excellent legal help; she’s been a superior source of general wisdom, too, an all-around advocate and advisor at what has otherwise been a difficult time for me, personally. Debra Chernick is a fine attorney, and I will be sure to recommend her to anyone and everyone I know.
I have known Deb Chernick both as a friend and legal counsel, for over 20 years. She has helped me through both good times, and rough times. We met when I closed on my first house. We became friends and have enjoyed many good times together, and great conversations. She guided me through a rough divorce, and took away the stress that comes with all decisions, and emotions that come with a divorce. She’s helped me with my will, and the closing on my refinance of my home, after my divorce. She even went to town hall to file the paperwork for my name change! I couldn’t imagine a more professional legal counsel, or a better friend! Deb is a gem that I will always treasure
Professional Membership & Associations
- Washington County Bar Association, Past President, 2000 – 2004
- South County Business Alliance, 2010 – Present
- Rhode Island Bar Association, 1983 – Present
- Connecticut Bar Association, 1982 – Present
Honors & Awards
- First female president of Washington County Bar Association, 2000 – 2004
- Honored by Rhode Island Domestic Violence, 2016
- Leading Lady of South County, 2024
Education
University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford, Connecticut
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- J.D. cum laude – 1982
Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
- B.A. cum laude – 1976
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- Major: Anthropology
- Major: Sociology
- Minor: Education






