Skip to Content

Respectful, welcoming and patient are three words used to describe John Narron as an attorney and as a colleague. These admirable traits, along with years of hard work and dedication, have allowed John to become a well-known and respected litigator, mediator and local leader, making a significant impact on his clients and his community.

A Wake County native, John Narron grew up in Wendell and received his B.A. from East Carolina University in 1974 and earned his J.D. from the University of Mississippi in 1977.  He has been practicing law in North Carolina since 1977.

John’s practice consists of litigation, arbitration, mediation and business transactions. Since beginning his career, John has provided advice and litigation services to clients in central and eastern North Carolina in all manner of civil disputes frequently involving equitable distribution proceedings, alimony trials, will caveats, employment disputes, personal injury trials and negotiations, and a wide variety of commercial business disputes. He has also represented various businesses providing advice on real estate issues, employment issues, and merger issues.

John has served as a mediator in more than 350 family law disputes throughout the Triangle, assisting clients and their attorneys in reaching a resolution to their disputes without the need for a trial.

It takes a special person to effectively deal with the delicate issues surrounding family law on a daily basis.  John’s sensible and caring approach, along with his genuine concern for each client, has allowed him to stand among the best in his profession.

Proven Record of Excellence

In 1989, John was a member of the first group of 31 lawyers in North Carolina to be recognized as a Board Certified Family Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. He has also repeatedly been recognized as a North Carolina Super Lawyer, as well as included in the Best Lawyers in America list.

John continues to dedicate his time to expand his knowledge and educate others on family law issues as a frequent speaker at seminars throughout the state.

Get to know John

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“I love what I do because it gives me a chance to help people in their worst emotional and financial situation.  According to psychologists, divorce is the second most stressful life event that an individual can experience behind losing a child.  I see my job as an opportunity to assist a client’s recovery from this most stressful event.  As an attorney, I can’t do it all, but I can help point clients in the right direction. “

When did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?

“I have wanted to become a lawyer for as long as I can remember, and I can’t really tell you why.  My mom told me that my second-grade teacher asked each member of the class what they wanted to be when they grew up, and I responded, “’I want to be a lawyer.’”

What was your very first job?

“Since I was a young child, I helped out at my dad’s hardware store.  I also have fond memories of barning tobacco every summer from the time I was ten years old.”

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?

“I would be a full-time farmer. It’s in my blood.  My grandfather and father were both farmers, and I get great satisfaction from sitting back and actually seeing the fruits of a day’s labor. I also love to be outdoors in all seasons and weather, except 100-degree days in August.”

My Credentials

Admissions

  • North Carolina State Bar
  • Mississippi State Bar

Education

  • J.D., University of Mississippi, 1977
  • B.A., East Carolina University, 1974

Certifications

  • Board Certified Family Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, 1989; Renewed by peer review in 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010
  • Advanced Divorce Mediation Training, Atlanta Divorce Mediators, Inc., Faulkner University, Jones School of Law, Montgomery, Alabama, October 2004

Professional Affiliations

  • North Carolina Bar Association; Chairman, Family Law Council, 2006-2007; Vice-Chairman, Family Law Council, 2005-2006; Family Law Council Member, 2002-2005; Legislative Affairs Committee,2002-2004
  • NC Advocates for Justice
  • Tenth Judicial District Bar; Grievance Committee, 1996-1999
  • Wake County Bar Association; Family Court Advisory Committee, 2007-2010
  • Family Court Advisory Committee, 2009-2011
  • Primerus International Society of Law Firms, Family Law Practice Group

Awards & Recognition

Civic Involvement

  • Planning board of the Town of Wendell; Chairman, 1978
  • Wendell Lions Club; President, 1982-1983
  • SouthLight, Inc.; Chairman of the Board of Directors, 1997-1998
  • Board of Adjustment, Town of Wendell; Chairman, 2009, 2010
  • Wake County Historical Preservation Commission; Board Member, 2009-2011
  • Capital Area Preservation Commission, Board Member, 2008-2010

Published Articles

  • What is a Will Caveat and How Can it be Avoided?, Legal Insights, November 2006
  • Beware of Interference With A Marriage Under North Carolina Law, Legal Insights, May 2007

My Experience

  • Arbitrations (Served as Arbitrator)
    • 02 CVD 15522, Wake County
    • 02 CVD 15569, Wake County
    • 03 CVD 1944, Wake County
    • 03 CVD 3257, Wake County
    • 02 CVD 11075, Wake County
    • 01 CVD 2006, Johnston County
    • 02 CVD 850, Wilson County
    • 96 CVD 4073, Wake County
    • 95 CVD 2789, Wake County
    • 01 CVD 01643, Wake County
    • 08 CVD 7288, Wake County
    • 08 CVD 10705, Wake County
    • 09 CVD 00734, Wake County
  • Representative Jury Trials
    • Wake Technical College vs. Slaughter, 02CVS 14518, Wake County
    • Bogan v. Siebel, 94 CVS 334, Wake County
    • Perry v. Biggie, 91 CVS 6511, Wake County
    • Butz v. Holder, 91 CVS 867, Harnett County
    • Jeffries v. Plummer, 96 CVS 012315, Wake County
    • Stroud v. Boyd, 00 CVS 01307, Johnston County
    • Segarra v. Clark, 99 CVS 8065, Mecklenburg County
  • Appellate cases (served as lead counsel)
    • Brandt v. Brandt, 325 N.C. 429 (1989)
    • Caldwell v. Murray Bakery Products, Inc., 101 N.C. App. 242 (1990)
    • Shear v. Stevens Building Company, 107 N.C. App. 154 (1992)
    • Butz v. Holder, 113 N.C. App. 156 (1993)
    • In Re: Foreclosure of Land, 123, N.C. App. 133 (1996)
    • Williams v. Walnut Creek, 121 N.C. App. 649 (1996)
    • Johnson v. Pearce, 148 N.C. App. 199 (2001)
    • Raybon v. Kidd, 147 N.C. App. 509 (2001)
    • Stell v. Stell, 150 N.C. App. 718 (2002)
    • Dail v. Steckler, 157 N.C. App. 364 (2003)
    • Franck v. P’ng, 156 N.C. App. 691 (2003)
    • Semon v. Semon, 161 N.C. App. 137 (2003)
    • In the Matter of the Will of John A. Jones, Jr., 655 S.E.2d 407 (2008)

Recommended Articles

Link for Can I Date After I’m Separated, But Before I am Divorced?
Divorce & Family Law

Can I Date After I’m Separated, But Before I am Divorced?

August 22, 2018 | by John W. Narron
Link for A Last Will and Testament Can Always Be Changed (Before Death)
Personal Representation

A Last Will and Testament Can Always Be Changed (Before Death)

November 10, 2017 | by John W. Narron
Link for A Handwritten Codicil Can Lead to Disaster
Personal Representation

A Handwritten Codicil Can Lead to Disaster

June 29, 2017 | by John W. Narron
Link for Equitable Distribution When the Trial Judge Gets it Right
Divorce & Family Law

Equitable Distribution When the Trial Judge Gets it Right

June 05, 2017 | by John W. Narron
Personal Representation - Smith Debnam Attorneys at Law
At Smith Debnam, we are more than just lawyers.

We are problem solvers, negotiators, and trusted advisors for our clients. Contact us today to experience the Smith Debnam difference.

Contact Us Today