RALEIGH, N.C. (August 11, 2026) – Smith Debnam is expanding the legal services provided in its Charleston, South Carolina office with the addition of attorney JP Rankin to lead its Estate and Trust Planning practice in the Lowcountry.
Since opening the office in 2020, Smith Debnam has focused on serving the business litigation needs of its clients in South Carolina. With Rankin’s arrival, the firm is expanding its Charleston services to include estate and trust planning services for individuals and families.
Rankin brings an established estate planning practice to Smith Debnam. Before joining the firm, he owned and operated a Charleston-based law practice, where he advised individuals, families, business owners, and real estate investors on estate and trust planning. He will continue serving clients from the firm’s Charleston office.
“Expanding our Charleston office is in keeping with our overall firm strategy of meeting the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said Jerry T. Myers, managing partner of Smith Debnam. “Expanding our Estate and Trust Planning services to this market allows us to strengthen the breadth of legal services available from our Charleston team. JP’s addition represents another important step in our commitment to serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families throughout the Carolinas.”
Rankin said the opportunity to spearhead Smith Debnam’s Estate and Trust Planning practice in Charleston made joining the firm a natural fit.
“Estate planning is about giving people confidence,” Rankin said. “When families leave knowing they have taken care of the people they love and no longer have to wonder whether everything is in order, that is incredibly rewarding. I am excited to help build this practice at Smith Debnam and expand these services for individuals and families throughout the Charleston community.”
Rankin is licensed to practice in South Carolina, North Carolina, and California. He earned his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
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.
