Dunsmore & Benson knows that crucial times require talented attorneys for support, guidance, and expertise in the legal system. Our attorneys provide professional and civil aid and follow ethical standards. We offer a comfortable, casual atmosphere while maintaining a compassionate, professional relationship.
Our attorneys are well known throughout the Alabama Judicial System in multiple counties, and have had decades of experience. Based on our experience, we can help you navigate through the legal situation you are in with empathy, compassion, professionalism and strategy that comes with years of legal experience.
Deborah L. Dunsmore
Attorney at Law
Deborah L. Dunsmore received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Montevallo in 1994. After graduating, Deborah returned home to Jackson County and worked in human resources for a publicly-traded multinational manufacturing firm. Deborah received her Professional in Human Resources Certification by exam from the Society of Human Resource Management, and received a second bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2001. She received specialized training at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. While working in the manufacturing sector, Deborah was responsible for employee recruitment, training and discipline, environmental health and safety, and legal compliance.
Deborah worked full-time while attending law school at night and received her Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law in 2006.
Deborah L. Dunsmore is a member of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She is a member of the Family Law Section and Bankruptcy and Consumer Law Section of the Alabama State Bar. She is a member of the National Association of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives.
Locally, Deborah helped found the Jackson County Drug Court and serves on the Jackson County Wellness Court. She is past president of the Jackson County Bar Association. She is a member of the Children’s Policy Council for Jackson County. She serves on the board of directors for the Salvation Army. She enjoys running, yoga, reading and traveling. She has an amazing daughter, Ashlee Dunsmore. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro.
G. Douglas Benson
Attorney at Law
Email: doug@dunsmorebenson.com
Doug Benson received his Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University in 1987 and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law in 1991. While at Cumberland School of Law, he received the Outstanding Senior Member Award for the American Journal of Trial Advocacy. He was a member of the Honor Court, the Cumberland Trial Advocacy Board and was the Treasurer of the Christian Legal Society. Prior to entering the private practice of law, Doug Benson clerked for the Honorable Hugh Maddox, Associate Justice with the Alabama Supreme Court. Doug Benson has lectured at continuing legal education seminars on the subject of Worker’s Compensation. Doug is the past President of the Madison County Young Lawyers Association.
Doug Benson is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Jackson County Bar Association, the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, and the Worker’s Compensation Section of the Alabama State Bar. Doug speaks both English and Spanish.
Doug enjoys exercise, church and Auburn football. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Misty Godfrey
Certified Paralegal
Email: misty@dunsmorebenson.com
Misty Godfrey is a certified paralegal with over twenty-five years experience. She received her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies degree from Muskingum Technical College in 1994, and her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Northeast Alabama Community College in 2005. She was recognized as Who’s Who Among American Junior Colleges, Sigma Kappa Delta and Phi Theta Kappa. She received the Legal Concepts Regional Award and was Ohio State Vice President of the Business Professionals of America. Misty Godfrey received her Bachelor of Science from Athens State University in 2012 where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association.
Misty is experienced in criminal law, civil litigation, capital defense, expungements, personal injury, corporate and business law and domestic relations. Her primary duties at Dunsmore & Benson include case and office and client management, criminal law, social security disability, bankruptcy and litigation assistance.
Misty volunteered and worked with CAJA (Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate) of Madison County, a court program of carefully screened, trained and certified volunteers appointed by a Judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Misty is currently a volunteer with Crisis Services of North Alabama where she has served since 2006 and was recognized as their Rape Responder of the Year in 2009. She is also a volunteer for The Summit of Fort Payne, a twelve-month faith-based women’s residential recovery program for those struggling with addictions.
Misty enjoys exercise, reading, boating, travel, and spending time with family. She has three adult married children, Payton, Morgan and Sierra. She is a member of The Well/Rock Family Worship Center and has served in the past as a Nursery Coordinator.
Annie Owens
Legal Assistant
Annie Owens is a legal assistant with prior experience working in banking, auto sales and labor industry. Her wide range of experience helps her relate to clients from all walks of life. She was initially hired as a receptionist then trained to be a legal assistant by our Certified Paralegal. She has the memory of an elephant and often assists in recalling detailed information that may have slipped past most people.
Annie’s duties include case management, telephone communications, corresponding with clients, interacting with clients, attorneys and other legal personnel, maintain client database for personal injury and workers compensation clients, assist with legal document preparation.
Her primary focus at Dunsmore & Benson is assisting Attorney Doug Benson with personal injury and workers compensation cases. She is responsible for ordering medical records, medical bills, relaying communications, coordinates calendar, schedules depositions and conducts
telephone conference with clients who need to provide updates or inquire about their case.
Annie Owens is married with three children, a country girl at heart, who enjoys coffee, cows, country music, animals and the outdoors. She is kind hearted and makes people feel welcome, encouraged and appreciated. She enjoys spending time with her family and helping her husband on their farm.
Mallie Earnest
Receptionist & Legal Assistant
Mallie Earnest was hired as a receptionist and it quickly became evident that she was an incredibly hard worker who strives on excellence in everything she does. She has been personally trained by our Certified Paralegal and is a full time student at Northeast Alabama Community College working toward her Associates in Applied Science Degree, Paralegal Program. Mallie quickly began performing legal assistant duties and making sure we have everything we need for hearings, meetings and conferences. She has the ability to know what we need before we even ask for it.
Mallie’s duties include greeting clients, telephone communications, scheduling appointments, interacting with clients, creating files, managing files, filing, maintain client file list database, checking conflicts, file maintenance, copying and scanning documents for electronic and hard copy files, postage, confirming appointments, handling consult fees, general errands, checking post office box, ordering supplies, etc.