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.