Smith Debnam donates more than $17,000.00 to charity in 2007

Smith Debnam raised funds for the American Cancer Society through its annual client appreciation golf tournament, recently renamed The Cynthia V. McAlister Memorial Golf Tournament. The firm’s donation to ACS was made in memory of Cynthia V. McAlister, a beloved partner of the firm, who passed away in 2006. The firm made a base donation to ACS that was increased by the excellent play of our golfers, by which an additional $25.00 was raised for each birdie and an additional $50.00 was raised for each eagle scored. 

Smith Debnam attorneys and staff raised money for the American Red Cross through the firm’s annual charitable giving campaign. Staff and associates donated more than $6,000.00; partners matched the staff/associate donation for a total contribution from the firm to ARC of $13,270.00, which was more than $3.000.00 over the campaign goal.

Max R. Rodden becomes NC Bar Board Certified in Family Law

Max R. Rodden is now an NC Bar Board Certified Family Law Specialist. Mr. Rodden represents clients in all aspects of family law, including absolute divorce, child custody and support, equitable distribution, alimony, name change, adoption, post-marital agreements, pre-marital agreements, annulment, grandparent custody and visitation, termination of parental rights, abuse and neglect proceedings, divorce from bed and board, legitimation, paternity, domestic violence and marital torts.

Mr. Rodden has practiced law in North Carolina since 1991 and focused his practice in family law since 1992. He has extensive trial experience and has represented clients at all levels of North Carolina courts including district, superior, special proceedings, juvenile, small claims, administrative proceedings, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Mr. Rodden has participated in numerous mediations and arbitrations in family law and other civil litigation cases.

Franklin Drake certified by CUNA as a Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist 

Franklin Drake has recently become a Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist as certified upon examination by the Credit Union National Association ("CUNA"). Mr. Drake concentrates his practice in the areas of creditors’ rights, creditors’ bankruptcy, and commercial litigation. He has worked with credit unions, banking and financial institutions, consumer and commercial lenders, and student loan agencies to enforce contracts, minimize losses, and fight fraud. As federal regulatory compliance has become increasingly complex, he also assists lenders with difficult compliance issues.

Mr. Drake has more than 27 years of legal experience. He was first admitted to practice law in Kentucky in 1978. Since then he has been admitted to practice in North Carolina and West Virginia. In Kentucky he was active in drafting statutory law on judgments and garnishments, the design and use of that state’s judgment execution forms, and policies and procedures concerning foreign judgment registration and land records docketing.

Mr. Drake has taught classes on bankruptcy and commercial law for the Indiana Bankers Association at Butler University, the National Association of State-Chartered Credit Union Supervisors and various states’ Credit Union Leagues. He also served as speaker for several student loan lending agencies, credit unions, and state and local bar associations. Additionally, he has held compliance seminars for his clients to update them on the ever-changing creditors laws.

Franklin Drake elected Mayor Pro Tem of Wake Forest

Attorney Franklin Drake was recently elected Mayor Pro Tem of Wake Forest. He previously served as the Town Commissioner. Mr. Drake is also actively involved in his community's efforts to preserve and restore historic sites and homes.

Mr. Drake has over 27 years of legal experience. He concentrates his practice in the areas of creditors’ rights, creditors’ bankruptcy, and commercial litigation. He has worked with credit unions, banking and financial institutions, consumer and commercial lenders, and student loan agencies to enforce contracts, minimize losses, and fight fraud.