Deborah graduated from University of New Mexico Law School in 1983 and was admitted to the New Mexico Bar the same year. She then joined the firm of Sager, Curran, Sturges & Tepper PC in 1983 and in 1988 became a partner, where she remained until the firm dissolved in 1997.

Thereafter, Deborah opened her own law firm: Deborah Rupp Gonçalves, PC, in which her practice areas focused on estate planning, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, trust administrations, business law, and litigation.

After 21 years as a solo practitioner, she joined Pregenzer, Baysinger, Wideman & Sale, PC on December 1, 2018, as Of Counsel.

In 2018 Deborah and her husband, Tony Gonçalves, a retired psychologist, celebrated their 50th anniversary by touring the countryside of Tuscany, Italy. They frequently travel to Montana and South Carolina to visit family. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys gardening and traveling.