Recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; listed since 2024.
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 20, 2026) – Smith Debnam partner Caren D. Enloe has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, adding to a year of recognition for her work at the intersection of litigation, bankruptcy, and consumer financial services compliance.
Enloe defends consumer financial service providers and collection industry participants in state and federal courts and advises fintech companies, law firms, collection agencies, and other industry members on federal and state consumer finance requirements. Her compliance work draws directly from more than 30 years of litigation experience, allowing her to assess not only what a rule says, but where operational choices can create litigation or enforcement exposure. Her practice also includes representing secured and lease creditors in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13.
In 2026, Enloe was named to North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Legal 250 and continued serving in leadership roles with the American Bar Association’s Consumer Financial Services Committee and the Conference on Consumer Finance Law.
“Caren sees around the regulatory corner because she has spent decades litigating what happens when compliance questions become disputes,” said Smith Debnam Managing Partner Jerry T. Myers. “Clients benefit from that connection between the courtroom and the compliance function, and the profession benefits from how generously she shares what she has learned.”
Enloe has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2024 and by North Carolina Super Lawyers since 2016. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Campbell University School of Law and her undergraduate degrees from Appalachian State University.
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.
