Gary K. Shipman

Gary grew up in Wake County, North Carolina, and attended the Wake County public schools. There, he began honing his advocacy skills as the member of his high school debate team, and continued as a debater while attending college at UNC-Wilmington. Because of its commitment to training trial lawyers, Gary attended law school at Campbell University School of Law, where he was named its top trial advocacy student.

In 1980, at the age of 24, Gary began practicing law in Wilmington, North Carolina, and founded his own firm two years later. Gary is recognized throughout the State of North Carolina for his effectiveness and skills in the courtroom, and has handled more than 100 jury trials to verdict during his career. He has handled cases ranging from medical negligence to catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death; products liability to consumer fraud and protection; condemnation to complex civil litigation/consumer class actions. He has served as lead counsel and/or co-lead counsel in various national class actions. Gary is a frequent lecturer on issues ranging from trial advocacy skills to products liability.

Despite a busy professional life, Gary maintains strong ties to the community. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Since 1990, Gary has sponsored and coached little league baseball teams.

Gary is married to Mary Jo Shipman, and they have three children: Brandon, Khale and Bryce