About Debra L. Krause

Debra Krause was born and raised just outside Brockport, a small collegiate town in western New York. After her grandfather passed away, she moved to Florida to live and care for her ailing grandmother. She settled in Sanford, Florida while she attended Seminole Community College and the University of Central Florida. She currently lives in Altamonte Springs with her husband and three children.

Debra is a proud product of divorced parents. Her mother, Patricia and her husband, Bruce Lybrand have been happily married for 16 years and reside in Mount Dora, Florida. Her father Herbert Sears and his wife Judy Sargalis-Sears have been happily married for 17 years and reside in Fairport, New York. Debra has one biological sister, two adopted brothers, one adopted sister and one step-brother. Just days prior to her graduation from the University of Central Florida, Debra petitioned to have her legal name changed to Debra L. Sears-Lybrand in order to show both her fathers the respect and admiration they rightfully deserved.

Education:

Undergraduate: Seminole Community College - AA degree

University of Central Florida - BSBA degree - May 1997

Law School: Stetson College of Law - Juris Doctor - May 2004 (with Honors)

Stetson University College of Law has a long tradition of educating attorneys who are ready and able to serve their clients and the community. This tradition is reflected in our nationally recognized advocacy, skills, and legal writing programs.

image provided by Stetson College of Law

Family:

Debra Krause is a proud, loving and devoted wife and mother. She is married to Mitchel B. Krause, a Seminole County attorney, who has lived and practiced in Seminole County for over 15 years. They are blessed with three children and are members of Congregation Ohev Shalom.

Experience:

Debra's opponents would like the public to think of 'experience' only in terms of doing the same thing day after day, as opposed to having a broad, diversified background as well as legal experience to bring to the bench. Having extensive legal experience makes a good lawyer, not necessarily a good judge. Debra's pre and post law school work experiences bring her credibility by having a broad, diverse background that reflects the community's diversity. Her hard work and dedication while pursuing her education exemplify her tireless work ethic and her ability to be effective and efficient.

Pre - Law School:

While attending Seminole Community College and the University of Central Florida, Debra worked part time at the Sanford Flea Market, waitressed at Colorado's Restaurant, and also worked the night shift at a local Convenience Store.
After Graduating from the University of Central Florida Debra worked in the construction industry, managed an Arby's fast food restaurant and was a Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

While in Law School:

Debra interned at the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office.
Debra was a second and third year teaching fellow in Stetson's Research and Writing Department.

Post Law School:

She has done transactional work for Real Estate Attorneys, Civil Trial Attorneys, and Criminal Law Attorneys.
She has worked in the area of corporate law, organizing, establishing, and maintaining privately owned Corporations and Limited Liability Companies.
A Registered Environmental Professional (REP 6130) and Registered Environmental Property Assessor (REPA 1592), she is In-house Counsel for Florida Environmental Assessments, Inc.

Not the lawyer's candidate, the people's candidate.

Political Advertisement paid for and approved by Debra L. Krause for Seminole County Court Judge - Group 5.