Raleigh, N.C. (August 21, 2025) – Smith Debnam is pleased to announce that partner J. Ronald Jones Jr. has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Restructuring Law in Charleston, South Carolina.
“Lawyer of the Year” is awarded to individual attorneys with the highest overall peer feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Only one lawyer is recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” for each specialty and location. This year, more than 30,000 attorneys cast over 3.4 million confidential evaluations of approximately 130,000 vetted candidates. Ultimately, 81,420 lawyers were recognized across 151 practice areas and more than 200 geographic regions, and only 5,068 earned the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” title, representing exceptional achievement in their field.
“To stand out in such a deep and talented field speaks volumes about Ron’s leadership, professionalism, and the respect he’s earned over decades of legal service,” said Jerry T. Myers, Managing Partner at Smith Debnam. “Ron is a calm, steady presence for his clients and a trusted voice within our firm. This recognition is well deserved.”
With a career spanning more than four decades, Jones is widely respected for his work in bankruptcy, creditor-debtor rights, insolvency, and restructuring law, as well as litigation involving bankruptcy matters. He has been continuously recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2008 and has previously earned the “Lawyer of the Year” title in 2014, 2020, and 2023.
About Smith Debnam
For over five decades, Smith Debnam has been at the forefront of legal excellence, serving as a trusted advisor to institutions and individuals across a wide range of industries. Their team of accomplished legal professionals combines experience, compassion, and a commitment to responsible representation. With headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and regional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina, Smith Debnam is strategically positioned to provide comprehensive legal services throughout the region. Their extensive experience in state and federal courts allows the firm to navigate diverse practice areas, including Creditors’ Rights, Litigation, Transactional and Advisory Services, Divorce and Family Law, and Personal Representation.
