Julia A.
May

After graduating from Georgetown University Law Center, one of Julia May’s early cases was the iconic Borders Books case, guiding the national bookseller through pre-bankruptcy negotiations to confirmation in Chapter 11. There, she saw how each decision ripples through employees, landlords, creditors, and customers alike – a lesson in balancing competing interests with clear-headed strategy and empathy. Thrust into one of the country’s most complex restructurings, Julia May learned early on that when chaos reigns, the key to resolution is breaking problems into manageable steps and keeping the human stakes front and center.

That early immersion set the tone for a career marked by high-stakes restructuring and litigation. Julia went on to lead the successful chapter 11 sale of one of North Carolina’s largest Sonic Drive-In and Mod Pizza franchisees, securing creditor votes and navigating pandemic-era upheaval to preserve value for varying constituencies. She also assisted in representing the FHFA (for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) in landmark automatic-stay litigation before the Second Circuit, tackling questions of first impression and sharpening her appellate advocacy skills.

Today at Smith Debnam, Julia partners with corporate clients and financial institutions facing distressed situations. She negotiates amendments to multi-million-dollar financing documents and crafts workout and restructuring agreements both in and out of bankruptcy court, always mindful of the delicate equilibrium between debtor needs and creditor rights. When litigation is unavoidable, Julia presses collection claims through every stage, distilling complexity into clear narratives that judges and opposing counsel can’t ignore.

In parallel, she advises banks, credit card issuers, and auto financiers on consumer protection compliance and defense, tackling both state and federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act claims, as well as disputes under the Fair Credit Billing Act and the Truth in Lending Act.

Clients choose Julia for her blend of tactical acuity and “soft skills.” She thrives on matters where the pressure is on, relishing the chance to bring certainty to situations that once seemed impossible.

Off the clock, you’ll find her spending time outdoors with her children, at the Matthews farmers market, or refereeing romps among her two French bulldogs and two cats. Whether facing a tangled balance sheet or a compliance maelstrom, Julia May is the steady hand clients rely on to reconcile competing interests and guide them to solid ground.