John H. Small

John H. Small


Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

Recognized since 2003

Greensboro, North Carolina

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Bet-the-Company Litigation

Litigation - Bankruptcy

Send John H. Small an email at jsmall@brookspierce.com Navigate to map location for John H. Small
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
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John Small has more than 35 years of experience representing both creditors and debtors in business bankruptcies, and is a Board Certified specialist in Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law. He also counsels small businesses and religious organizations on a variety of legal issues. He thrives on solving clients’ most complex problems.

He 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.

He 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.

    Location
    • Renaissance Plaza, Suite 2000
      230 North Elm Street
      P.O. Box 26000
      Greensboro, NC 27420
    Education
    • Yale University, JD, graduated 1979
    • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA, graduated 1976
    Bar Admissions
    • North Carolina, United States
    Affiliations
    • Bankruptcy and Business Sections, North Carolina State Bar - Member
    • Turnaround Management Association, Carolinas Chapter - Member
    • North Carolina Bar Association - Vice-Chair, Bankruptcy Section Council
    • American Bankruptcy Institute - Member
    Court Admissions
    • US Supreme Court
    • US Court of Appeals - 4th Circuit
    • US District Court - Western District of NC
    • US District Court - Middle District of NC
    • US District Court - Eastern District of NC

    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® 2025 for work in:
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
    • Bet-the-Company Litigation
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy
    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)
    Additional Areas of Practice:
    • Nonprofit / Charities Law

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    Publications

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