Recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy; listed since 2008.
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 20, 2026) – Smith Debnam partner J. Ronald “Ron” Jones Jr. has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy.
Jones has spent more than three decades representing banks and lenders throughout North Carolina and South Carolina in commercial law, bankruptcy, debt collection, troubled-loan workouts, and real estate-related matters. A South Carolina Supreme Court Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy and Debtor-Creditor Law since 1994, he represents secured and unsecured creditors, lenders, lessors, investors, asset purchasers, creditors’ committees, and, on occasion, debtors.
His approach begins with the client’s objective. Jones has long believed that a technically available remedy is of little value if it consumes time and money without solving the business problem. That perspective informs his work on matters ranging from straightforward collections to complex restructurings and bankruptcy litigation.
“Ron has the experience to know that the most aggressive remedy is not automatically the best remedy,” said Smith Debnam Managing Partner Jerry T. Myers. “He keeps the economic objective in view and looks for the path that actually works. That judgment has made him a trusted resource for financial institutions throughout the Carolinas.”
Jones has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2008 and has received multiple Charleston “Lawyer of the Year” honors from the publication, including in 2026. His involvement in bankruptcy law extends beyond his client work. He has served two terms on the South Carolina Supreme Court Bankruptcy and Debtor-Creditor Specialization Committee and currently teaches bankruptcy law as an adjunct professor at Charleston School of Law. In 2024, the Charleston County Bar Association named him its Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year.
Jones also has maintained a longstanding connection to Charleston’s business and civic community. He served on the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce board from 1999 to 2013, including as chairman in 2011-12, and continues to serve on its Past Chairman’s Council. He also serves on the Trident Technical College Foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
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.
