John H. Small

John H. Small

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003
Awarded Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law Bet-the-Company Litigation Litigation - Bankruptcy
Awarded Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law Bet-the-Company Litigation Litigation - Bankruptcy
Works at
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

63 Best Lawyers awards

Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP logo

Biography

John Small has more than 35 years of experience representing both creditors and debtors in business bankruptcies, and was a Board Certified Specialist in Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law from 1988 to 2023. He also counsels small businesses and religious organizations on a variety of legal issues. He thrives on solving clients’ most complex problems.

John represents secured creditors in bankruptcies for business and real estate loans. He also has experience working with landlords, equipment lessors, trade creditors and Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 trustees in bankruptcy cases, as well as individuals who may be purchasing assets out of the bankruptcy.

John represents businesses experiencing financial difficulties, many of which are going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. He has represented a variety of businesses, including manufacturing companies, retailers, and real estate companies.

John represents both principals and small businesses, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, on entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, financing and contract issues.

John serves as general counsel for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and represents other churches and religious organizations both inside and outside the Baptist denomination. He helps religious organizations navigate their unique legal landscape, including structure, governance issues and the impact of the First Amendment on general laws and regulations applicable to religious organizations.

    Works at
    Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

    63 Best Lawyers awards

    Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP logo

    Locations

    Education

    • Yale University, JD, graduated 1979
    • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA, graduated 1976

    Bar Admissions

    • North Carolina, United States

    Court Admissions

    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals - 4th Circuit
    • U.S. District Court - Western District of North Carolina
    • U.S. District Court - Middle District of North Carolina
    • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of North Carolina

    Affiliations

    • North Carolina Bar Association - Vice-Chair, Bankruptcy Section Council
    • Bankruptcy and Business Sections, North Carolina State Bar - Member
    • American Bankruptcy Institute - Member
    • Turnaround Management Association, Carolinas Chapter - Member

    Client Testimonials

    My dealings with John have been very good. He is very knowledgeable in all areas where I have dealt with him. He is very prompt in responding to questions and needs. His experience level is very evident once you deal with him which gives you confidence in the work he does for you.

    Awards & Focus

    Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Litigation - Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Litigation - Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Litigation - Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2012 - Litigation - Bankruptcy
    Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
    • Bet-the-Company Litigation, Triad (2024)
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy, Triad (2024)
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Triad (2021)
    • Bet-the-Company Litigation, Triad (2020)
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy, Triad (2020)
    • Bet-the-Company Litigation, Greensboro (2018)
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy, Greensboro (2016)
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy, Greensboro (2012)
    Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
    • Bet-the-Company Litigation
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy
    Additional Areas of Practice:
    • Real Estate Law
    • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
    • Nonprofit / Charities Law
    Special Focus:
    • COVID-19
    Awards:
    • Recognized in Super Lawyers Business Edition in Bankruptcy: Business (2015)
    • Recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) in Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights (2006-2014), Bankruptcy: Business (2015-2024), and Top 100 (2009)
    • Recognized by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business for Bankruptcy/Restructuring Law (2009-2024)
    • Recognized by his peers for inclusion in Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" in Bankruptcy Law (2005-2015, 2017-2018, 2022-2023)

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