Proven Michigan Attorney
When your future is on the line, you need an attorney you can trust. Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford is a respected Michigan attorney with decades of legal experience serving clients throughout Wayne County and across the state. Known as “The People’s Defender,” she is recognized for her dedication to protecting individual rights and guiding clients through complex legal challenges with clarity and care.
As a former elected judge, Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford brings rare insight into how cases are evaluated and decided in Michigan courts. Her experience on both sides of the bench allow her to anticipate judicial expectations and develop informed, strategic defenses. Today, she uses that perspective to provide strong, reliable representation—ensuring every client is prepared, heard, and confidently represented.
A Storied Legacy Of Legal Service
Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford comes from a long line of attorneys. Her family members have served as judges, civil rights lawyers and partners at majority white law firms. Today, she feels honored to carry on her family’s legacy of outstanding legal work. It is this commitment to serving her community that makes her one of the foremost attorneys to whom people in Wayne County turn for representation.
Learn more about her family:
Attorney Harold E. Bledsoe (Grandfather)
Holding Deborah in this photo is the first black Assistant Attorney General in Wayne County, Michigan and founder of the Bledsoe Ford and Bledsoe law firm. Her grandfather was also a prominent labor and civil rights activist, one of the founders of the Wolverine Bar Association in the 1930’s, a delegate of the 1961-62 Michigan Constitutional Convention, the first black to be on the U.S. Electoral College, and a brilliant orator and trial lawyer.
Honorable Geraldine Bledsoe Ford (Mother)
Her legendary mother was the first female attorney in the United States to run and be elected judge. She served from 1966 to 1999. She was also the first female and black President of the University of Michigan Alumni Association and first black female Assistant U.S. Attorney General in Michigan. Her name was among the most highly recognized in the City of Detroit, second only to Former Mayor Coleman A. Young, Sr. when he served. Attorney Geraldine Bledsoe Ford was considered a living legend while serving on the bench and advocating for women’s rights. She was also the highest voted judge by far each year she ran for re-election.
Honorable William F. Bledsoe (Uncle)
Attorney Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford’s uncle was a civil rights lawyer and also served as a District Judge. He lived within 10 minutes of her from her birth through law school graduation, and mentored her in more ways than one could count.
Leonard Guy Ford, NFL Hall Of Fame Inductee (Father)
Attorney Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford draws her will to compete and to win from her father, Cleveland Brown offensive and defensive end and National Football League Hall of Fame inductee (1976) Leonard Guy Ford, who used the phrase, “WIN,” throughout his life. She brings that same blood and spirit to each case she “tackles” to score the “knock-out defensive block,” “field goal,” or “TOUCHDOWN,” for her clients to WIN!
The Legacy Continues
Attorney Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford is grateful for her blended family that includes her husband, Atty. Jerome R. Watson, daughter, Alana Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford Watson (recently graduated Santa Clara University Law School and passed the New York Bar), two stepsons and two nieces. Together they continue the fight for justice for people like you and your family.
Contact The People’s Defender Today For A Free Consultation
Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford is the attorney to advocate for your rights. Please contact her Detroit law office at 313-407-4996
or send her an email to set up a free initial consultation about her smart, reliable legal services.
The Attorney Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford Advantage
40+ Years Of Experience
Backed by decades of experience, Attorney Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford offers knowledgeable and reliable legal representation. Years spent in Michigan courtrooms—both on the bench and in practice—have shaped a thoughtful, strategic approach to every case.
Former Judge
Years of practice in Michigan courts have shaped the foundation of Attorney Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford. Having presided over cases as a former judge and later advocating from the defense side, Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford brings a comprehensive understanding of the legal system to her clients.
A Trusted Name In Criminal Defense
Trust in criminal defense is earned through consistent results, professionalism, and experience. Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford is recognized for providing dependable representation informed by years of courtroom practice and judicial insight. She approaches every case with seriousness and a focus on achieving fair outcomes.
Deborah Geraldine Bledsoe Ford
Attorney At Law