***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Raleigh, N.C. (June 8, 2021) – Smith Debnam is pleased to announce that the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC) has selected family law attorney Kristin Ruth for induction into the 2020 North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society. She is among 589 attorneys across North Carolina recognized by PBRC for providing 50 or more hours of pro bono legal services during 2020. In 2019, Ruth was among 522 attorneys across the state to receive this honor.
Ruth frequently serves as a pro bono child advocate, representing children at the center of divorce and separation proceedings, ascertaining their wishes, and speaking in court on their behalf. She received the North Carolina Child Support Council’s Distinguished Service of Excellence award for her service to children. She also participates in ‘problem-solving courts’ that address the underlying problems contributing to criminal behavior and seek alternatives to incarceration to resolve family issues and break negative cycles for those at risk.
Ruth served as a District Court judge for 13 years before establishing a private law practice and later joining Smith Debnam. As a family court judge, she concentrated most of her time presiding in the courtroom designated for child support enforcement—one of the most challenging in Wake County.
At Smith Debnam, Ruth represents clients in family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and equitable property distribution. She is especially known for her work involving grandparent visitation disputes, domestic violence, and family law disputes between same-sex couples.
Ruth is certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission as a superior court and family financial mediator.
About Smith Debnam
Founded in 1972, Smith Debnam is a leading, multi-practice regional law firm for institutions and private individuals who value a responsible and caring approach from an accomplished team of experienced legal professionals. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a regional office in Charleston, South Carolina, the firm represents clients in Banking, Financial Services, Equipment Leasing, Construction, Mortgage Servicing, Manufacturing, and Professional Services industries. Smith Debnam has extensive experience in state and federal courts across a diverse list of practice areas, including Corporate and Business Law, Business Litigation, Commercial Bankruptcy and Reorganization, Foreclosures, Creditor Representation, Consumer Collections, Commercial & Residential Real Estate, Construction Law, Employment Law, Equipment Leasing & Finance, Family Law, Trusts & Estates, and Probate Litigation.
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