Atty. J. Michael Fields

Atty. J. Michael Fields

Michael leads the Health Care practice. He counsels physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers on regulatory, compliance, and transactional matters.

Greenville Greenville 35 yrs experience 35 year
Call (252) 215-4000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About J. Michael Fields at a glance

J. Michael Fields is a business and bankruptcy attorney based in Greenville, North Carolina, practicing at Ward and Smith PA. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Admitted to practice in North Carolina (1991) and Georgia (2015). Educated at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 1991) and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.S., 1988). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Greenville, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael leads the Health Care practice
  • He counsels physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers on regulatory, compliance, and transactional matters
  • He represents all types of closely-held businesses and their owners on such issues as the formation of business entities, financing transactions, and the merger, acquisition, and sale of businesses
  • Additionally, Michael advises banks, automobile and tractor finance companies, shopping center owners, homeowners' associations, and suppliers in the agricultural and construction industries on financing transactions, workouts, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and collections
  • His bankruptcy practice is focused on the representation of creditors in contested plan confirmation, relief from stay, cash collateral, lease assumption and assignment, fraudulent transfer, and preference litigation
  • Michael also provides mediation services in bankruptcy cases
  • His mediation training includes the acclaimed 40-hour American Bankruptcy Institute/St
  • John’s University School of Law Bankruptcy Mediation Training Program held in New York
  • He has been rated by his peers as "preeminent" in his respective fields of law

Practice Areas Explained

J. Michael Fields's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases J. Michael Fields handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

J. Michael Fields is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in North Carolina →

Bankruptcy & Debt

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

J. Michael Fields is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Greenville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Greenville or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about J. Michael Fields

Where is J. Michael Fields's law office located?
J. Michael Fields's law practice is located in Greenville, North Carolina. The firm is Ward and Smith PA. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does J. Michael Fields handle?
J. Michael Fields focuses on business, bankruptcy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
How long has J. Michael Fields practiced law?
J. Michael Fields has 35+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1991.
Where did J. Michael Fields go to law school?
J. Michael Fields earned their education at (J.D., 1991); (B.S., 1988).
How can I contact J. Michael Fields for a consultation?
You can contact J. Michael Fields directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has J. Michael Fields received?
J. Michael Fields's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Best Lawyers in America — Health Care Law.

Education

J.D.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 1991
B.S.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 1988

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Health Care Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers, 2018-2024
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — "Healthcare Power List," NC Lawyers Weekly, 2023
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America, 2018
- 2026

Bar Admissions

North Carolina
Admitted: 1991
Georgia
Admitted: 2015

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