Raleigh, N.C. (August 15, 2024) — Smith Debnam proudly announces that 17 of the firm’s esteemed attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has been a widely respected benchmark for legal excellence, serving as an authoritative guide to the most distinguished legal professionals nationwide.
The lawyers featured in The Best Lawyers in America are selected based on comprehensive peer reviews that assess professional capabilities and contributions to their respective fields. These honorees have undergone rigorous evaluations to ensure they practice and maintain exemplary standards of ethics and competence.
Smith Debnam extends heartfelt congratulations to the following attorneys who have been named to the 2025 Best Lawyers in America list:
- Connie Elder Carrigan (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2022)
- Labor Law – Management
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
- W. Thurston Debnam, Jr. (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2014)
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships
- Commercial Litigation
- Corporate Law
- Real Estate Law
- A.T. Debnam
- Family Law
- Family Law Mediation
- Michael J. Denning
- Family Law
- Family Law Arbitration
- Franklin Drake (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2016)
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Caren Enloe (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024)
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- J. Ronald Jones, Jr. (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008)
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Alicia Jurney (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2016)
- Family Law
- Lynn Wilson McNally (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2016)
- Family Law
- Jerry Myers (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024)
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- John W. Narron (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006)
- Family Law
- Jeff D. Rogers (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018)
- Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
- Real Estate Law
- Kristin H. Ruth (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024)
- Family Law
- Family Law Mediation
- Byron L. Saintsing (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2016)
- Banking and Finance Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Bettie Kelley Sousa (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018)
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Corporate Law
- John Sperati (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024)
- Commercial Litigation
- Litigation – Construction
- Rose H. Stout (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007)
- Family Law
About Smith Debnam
For over five decades, Smith Debnam has been at the forefront of legal excellence, serving as a trusted advisor to institutions and individuals across a wide range of industries. Their team of accomplished legal professionals combines experience, compassion, and a commitment to responsible representation. With headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a regional office in Charleston, South Carolina, Smith Debnam is strategically positioned to provide comprehensive legal services throughout the region. Their extensive experience in state and federal courts allows the firm to navigate diverse practice areas, including Litigation, Creditors’ Rights, Transactional and Advisory Services, Divorce and Family Law, and Personal Representation.
About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer-ranking service in the world. For 40 years, It has assisted those in need of legal services in identifying the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional, and national publications worldwide.
