Litigation
John Sperati is a partner with the firm whose practice focuses on commercial litigation and complex creditor matters, including creditors’ rights, creditor bankruptcy, foreclosure and real estate litigation, structured settlement transfers, judgment domestication and enforcement, construction litigation, and equipment leasing and finance.
John represents banks, credit unions, finance companies, private equity firms, and other financial institutions across all 100 North Carolina counties. He helps clients enforce contractual rights and protect secured interests through collateral and asset recovery, repossession, foreclosure, and claim-and-delivery proceedings. His work also includes mechanics’ and storage liens, lienholder petitions, and the recovery of collateral seized by state and federal agencies.
In addition, John brings a valuable real-world perspective to his construction litigation practice, drawing on experience in the construction industry prior to law school. That hands-on background allows him to communicate effectively with construction professionals and deliver practical, business-minded solutions. John represents a wide range of construction-related clients, including general contractors, custom homebuilders, subcontractors, owners, sureties, suppliers, developers, engineers, and demolition and salvage contractors. His work includes protecting rights to payment on both private and public projects, filing and enforcing liens and bond claims, handling warranty disputes, and representing clients in civil litigation as well as arbitrations and mediations.
John is recognized in Best Lawyers in America and has also been named a Rising Star in North Carolina Super Lawyers®.
Proven Record of Excellence
My Credentials
Admissions
- North Carolina
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
- 4th Circuit Court of Appeals
Education
- J.D. North Carolina Central School of Law, cum laude, 2003
- B.A. Parks and Recreation Management, Western Carolina University, 1991
Professional Affiliations
- Wake County Bar Association
- North Carolina Bar Association
- NCBA Construction Section
- American Bar Association
- National Creditors Bar Association
- Co-Chair National Creditor Bar Association Bankruptcy Peer Group
- Conference on Consumer Finance Law
- Alternative Finance Bar Association
- LEAN (Lease Enforcement Attorney Network)
- Professional Construction Estimators Association
- ABA Construction Section
- Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Member Leadership Raleigh 2012-2013
Awards & Recognition
- National Creditors Bar Association – “2024 Member of the Year”
- Listed among Best Lawyers in America – Since 2024
- Listed as a Rising Star in North Carolina Super Lawyers® 2012
Civic Involvement
- TKE Alumni Association
- Bridge II Sports – Board of Directors
Publications
- Landon G. Van Winkle & John M. Sperati, The Evolving Treatment of Student Loans in Bankruptcy, 78 Consumer Fin. L.Q. Rep. 89 (2025)
My Practices & Services
My Experience
- Martin & Loftis Clearing & Grading, Inc., v. Saieed Construction Systems Corp. 168 N.C. App.542; 608 S.E.2d 124 (2005)
Articles
Podcasts
Publications
Industry Leadership
John Sperati brings both practical litigation experience and active industry involvement to his creditors’ rights practice. Through leadership roles, publications, and statewide litigation experience, he continues to contribute to conversations shaping the future of creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law.
John serves as Co-Chair of the Bankruptcy Peer Group for the National Creditors Bar Association, where he collaborates with attorneys and industry professionals addressing developments in bankruptcy and creditors’ rights matters nationwide.
He has also contributed thought leadership through publications in the Consumer Finance Law Quarterly Report, offering analysis and insight on issues impacting creditors, lenders, and the financial services industry.
In addition to his industry engagement, John maintains an extensive statewide practice involving creditor representation and construction litigation matters, giving him a practical perspective on the legal and business issues affecting clients across North Carolina.
His contributions to the profession were further recognized through the 2024 NCBA Member of the Year award.
News
Smith Debnam Recognized in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®
November 06, 2025
Smith Debnam Attorneys Receive NCBA 2024 Member of the Year Award
January 16, 2025Past Events
Recommended Articles
Link forMammoth Grading, Inc. Decision Impacts Lien Rights of North Carolina Subcontractors and Suppliers 
Link forPossible Lien/Bond Law Revisions may substantially Change Lien Rights in North Carolina
Litigation
Possible Lien/Bond Law Revisions may substantially Change Lien Rights in North Carolina
February 25, 2011| by Byron L. Saintsing John M. Sperati Link forPossible Impact on North Carolina Lien Waivers
Litigation
Possible Impact on North Carolina Lien Waivers
September 21, 2010| by Byron L. Saintsing John M. Sperati Link forHoly Cow! They Can Take My Land?
Litigation
Holy Cow! They Can Take My Land?
March 06, 2009| by John M. Sperati W. Thurston Debnam, Jr.