Raleigh, N.C. (January 16, 2025) — Smith Debnam is pleased to announce that five of its attorneys—Jerry T. Myers, John M. Sperati, Landon Van Winkle, Christina McAlpin Taylor, and Caren D. Enloe—have been recognized by the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA) with their 2024 Member of the Year Award. NCBA presented the award at the 2024 NCBA Connect conference in New Orleans.
The NCBA Member of the Year Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing the NCBA’s mission of promoting professionalism, ethical practices, and the protection of creditors’ rights. This recognition highlights the contributions of Smith Debnam attorneys to the legal field and their commitment to serving clients with integrity.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire team,” said Myers. “At Smith Debnam, we are proud to advocate for creditors’ rights while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. It is an honor to be recognized by the NCBA alongside my colleagues.”
About the Honorees
Jerry Myers, managing partner, focuses on creditors’ rights, including debt collection, judgment enforcement, and commercial litigation. A former president of the Commercial Law League of America, Myers has contributed to the industry through continuing legal education programs, committee service, and the formation of the North Carolina Creditors’ Bar Association.
John Sperati, a partner at the firm, works in the Creditors’ Rights Practice Group. His practice includes commercial creditor bankruptcy, foreclosure, construction litigation, structured settlement transfers, judgment domestication and enforcement, and equipment leasing and finance litigation.
Landon Van Winkle, an associate in the firm’s Construction Litigation Practice Group and Board-Certified Specialist in Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law, assists clients with pre-suit negotiations and litigation in construction, equipment leasing and financing, and bankruptcy matters.
Christina McAlpin Taylor, a partner in the firm, focuses on creditors’ rights and represents businesses throughout all stages of litigation, including pre-suit collection efforts, lawsuits, judgments, and executions. She has received several awards for her leadership, including being named one of Collection Advisor Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Women in Collections.”
Caren Enloe, a partner, leads the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Litigation and Compliance Practice Group. Her practice includes representing financial service providers and collection industry members in state and federal court. Enloe also advises fintech companies, law firms, and collection agencies on compliance with consumer finance regulations.
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.
