RALEIGH, N.C. (January 5, 2026) – Smith Debnam is pleased to announce that attorney Landon G. Van Winkle has been named a partner in the firm.
Van Winkle, a key member of the firm’s construction law, business litigation, and bankruptcy teams, joined Smith Debnam in 2020 with a background that blends military discipline, academic excellence, and a robust litigation track record. A summa cum laude graduate of Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Van Winkle is also a board-certified specialist in business and consumer bankruptcy law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
“Landon’s drive, intellect, and unwavering dedication to clients and the profession make him an exceptional lawyer and a natural choice for partnership,” said Jerry Myers, Smith Debnam’s Managing Partner. “His deep experience, steady guidance, and ability to tackle complex matters with clarity and precision have earned the respect of clients and peers across North Carolina and beyond.”
Van Winkle’s practice includes representing financial institutions and businesses in litigation, bankruptcy, and restructuring matters. His approach is grounded in the values instilled during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as an infantry mortarman and received multiple honors, including the Navy Achievement Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
“It’s a true honor to become a partner at a firm that reflects the values I care about most – diligence, teamwork, and excellence in the service of others,” Van Winkle said. “I’m proud to work alongside such talented colleagues and grateful for the trust our clients place in us every day.”
In addition to his courtroom experience, Van Winkle is a frequent contributor to legal publications and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Webinars & Podcasts Subcommittee of the American Bar Association’s Business Bankruptcy Committee and as co-chair of the National Creditors Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Peer Forum.
Van Winkle is licensed to practice in all federal districts in North Carolina and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and Business North Carolina Legal Elite for his work in bankruptcy law.
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 Charleston, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina, Smith Debnam is strategically positioned to provide comprehensive legal services throughout the region. Their extensive experience in state and federal courts enables the firm to navigate diverse practice areas, including Litigation, Creditors’ Rights, Transactional and Advisory Services, Divorce and Family Law, and Personal Representation.
