Recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; listed since 2026.
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 20, 2026) – Smith Debnam partner Gerald “Gary” Groon Jr. has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, marking his second consecutive year of recognition.
For more than three decades, Groon has represented creditors in matters where having a legal right is only the beginning. Recovering what is owed can require persistence, careful attention to the record, and a clear view of what the client ultimately needs to accomplish. His practice spans commercial collections and civil litigation, with significant experience at both the trial and appellate levels.
One of those appellate matters helped establish a rule that continues to shape North Carolina litigation. Groon successfully argued Lexis-Nexis v. Travishan Corp., in which the North Carolina Court of Appeals adopted the general rule that a corporation involved in litigation in District or Superior Court must be represented by an attorney. His trial results have also earned him membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
“Gary understands that having the law on your side is only part of the job,” said Smith Debnam Managing Partner Jerry T. Myers. “He brings persistence to litigation without losing sight of why the client is there in the first place. He knows when to press, what needs to be preserved, and how to keep the client’s business objective at the center of the case.”
Groon’s work reflects a career spent not only litigating creditors’ rights matters but also contributing to the broader understanding of the issues creditors encounter. He has been a featured speaker for educational programs presented by Lorman Education Services, the National Business Institute, and Heritage Professional Education, and his published work has addressed topics including statutes of limitation, enforcement of foreign judgments, and accord and satisfaction in North Carolina.
Groon is AV Peer Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was named a Lorman Distinguished Faculty Member in 2012. He earned his J.D. from Campbell University, where he served as articles editor of the Campbell University Law Review and participated on the National Moot Court Team. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
About Smith Debnam
Founded in 1972, Smith Debnam Attorneys at Law has built its reputation by helping businesses, financial institutions, professional service providers, and individuals navigate important legal decisions with confidence. From headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and regional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, the firm serves clients across diverse industries, delivering comprehensive legal counsel in litigation, business and transactional matters, creditors’ rights, family law, estate planning, and personal representation. Whether helping a financial institution manage risk, guiding a family-owned business through growth, assisting a family in planning for the future, or resolving complex disputes, Smith Debnam combines deep legal experience with integrity, responsiveness, and a commitment to building relationships that span generations.
