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Bettie Kelley Sousa has practiced with Smith Debnam since becoming licensed in 1981. She has a wealth of experience in state and federal courts, including bankruptcy courts, at both trial and appellate levels. She represents mostly businesses — both large and small — in a variety of matters, including advising clients during business break-ups, contract drafting and review, and disputes involving sales of goods or services.

Bettie prides herself in efficiently finding peaceful resolutions for her clients. She is skilled at avoiding litigation and locking down agreements to avoid further disputes. But, if a case requires litigation, she is an accomplished trial lawyer, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in her many years of practice. In 1993, Bettie was certified as a Creditors’ Rights Specialist by the American Board of Certification (ABC), for which she served as President and Chair. She has chosen to not renew her certification but remains an ABC Emeritus Director. Bettie is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights, Insolvency and Reorganization Law, and North Carolina Super Lawyers® for Business Litigation. She created and taught a course in Business Litigation at Wake Forest University School of Law.

Experience an
ABA Fellow

American Bar Association Fellows, Bettie K. Sousa

Proven Record of Excellence

My Credentials

Admissions

  • North Carolina State Bar
  • U.S. District Courts – Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Education

  • J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, 1981
  • A.B. in Eng. Ed., the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1978

Awards & Recognition

Professional Affiliations

  • Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
  • Board of Visitors – Wake Forest University School of Law
  • American Bar Association – Litigation Section
  • American Board of Certification – Past Chair (2012), President (2011), President-Elect (2010), Treasurer (2009); Secretary (2008); Emeritus Director
  • North Carolina Bar Association – Business Law Section
  • Wake County Bar Association – Board of Directors (2 terms); Past President, Young Lawyers’ Division; Lawyers Support Committee

Civic Involvement

  • St. Michael’s Episcopal Church: Lay Reader, former Sunday School Teacher
  • Community Advisory Board, Junior League of Raleigh
  • Wake Will Lead Campaign – Triangle Committee
  • Co-founder, UNC MJ-school Parents’ Council

 

American Bar Association Fellows, Bettie K. Sousa

 

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