RALEIGH, N.C. (January 5, 2026) – Smith Debnam today announced that partner Rose H. Stout has been selected for inclusion in Business North Carolina magazine’s 2026 Legal Elite, an honor bestowed upon a small percentage of North Carolina attorneys based on peer evaluation.
Stout was recognized for her work in family law, where she has guided individuals and families through complex legal and emotional challenges for more than three decades. Board certified as a family law specialist since 1991, Stout is known for her courtroom skill, meticulous preparation, and steady counsel in high-conflict and financially complex cases.
“Being recognized by colleagues whose judgment I respect is especially meaningful,” Stout said. “Family law is deeply personal, and I am grateful for the trust my clients place in me during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite program, now in its 25th year, is determined through a statewide peer-voting process conducted by DataJoe Research. Only about 3% of practicing attorneys in North Carolina earn a place on the annual list.
Managing Partner Jerry T. Myers said Stout’s recognition reflects both her skill and her character.
“Rose combines deep legal knowledge with genuine care for the people she represents,” Myers said. “Her peers recognize what our clients already know — that she brings clarity, steadiness, and integrity to every matter she handles.”
Stout has received numerous professional distinctions throughout her career, including recognition by Best Lawyers in America and North Carolina Super Lawyers. She is also a recipient of the Sarah H. Davis Excellence Award from the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
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.
