Cynthia V. McAlister
Partner

We regret to announce the passing away of our beloved colleague, Cynthia V. McAlister, on May 21, 2006. Ms. McAlister, a Partner with our firm and a highly respected attorney in our community, will be greatly missed. The Firm extends its deepest sympathies to her family and friends in this time of loss.

Practice Concentration & Experience

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“Cynty” V. McAlister worked within the firm’s litigation section and focused her practice on domestic law. Ms. McAlister represented clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, custody, equitable distribution, child support and alimony. She had extensive trial experience at the district court level, and her practice also included mediations, arbitrations and collaborative law. 

Ms. McAlister joined the firm in early 1999. Prior to joining Smith Debnam, she practiced family law with Huffman & McAlister, P.A.

Ms. McAlister was a North Carolina State Bar board-certified family law specialist.  She lectured on family law topics and authored manuscripts and materials prepared for continuing legal education seminars for attorneys.

Bar Admissions

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North Carolina

Board Certifications

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Board Certified Family Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar, 2001

Education

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J.D., summa cum laude, North Carolina Central University School of Law, 1996

B.A., magna cum laude, North Carolina State University, 1993

Professional Affiliations

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North Carolina Bar Association

Wake County Bar Association

North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers

North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys

Wake Women Attorneys

Wake Collaborative Family Law Group

Representative Cases

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Semon v. Semon, 161 N.C. App. 137, 587 S.E.2d 460 (2003) (affirmed equitable distribution arbitration award).

Poole v. Cogdell, No. COA02-1148, 1004 N.C. App. LEXIS 882 (2004) (unpublished decision) at 2004 N.C. App. LEXIS 945, 595 S.E.2d 816 (2004) (affirmed custody arbitration award).

Civic Involvement

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Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina 
         Board member

FIGS (“Filling in Gaps”) of Wake County
         Board member

Alexander W. McAlister Foundation
         Board member