Atty. John H. Small

Atty. John H. Small

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.

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'Bet The Company' Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Greensboro, NC

Profile Summary

About John H. Small at a Glance

John H. Small is a bankruptcy and litigation attorney based in Greensboro, North Carolina, practicing at Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP. Admitted to practice in North Carolina, United States. Educated at Yale University (JD, 1979) and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA, 1976). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Serves clients in Greensboro, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About John H. Small

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.

    Practice Areas Explained

    John H. Small's Areas of Legal Practice

    Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John H. Small handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Greensboro.

    Bankruptcy & Debt in Greensboro

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

    John H. Small is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in North Carolina →

    Civil Litigation in Greensboro

    Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

    John H. Small is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in North Carolina →

    Jurisdictional Context

    Why Local Counsel Matters in Greensboro

    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 Greensboro 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 venue, 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.

    Greensboro Courts and Legal Process

    Choosing a Greensboro-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

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

    Frequently Asked

    Common Questions About John H. Small

    Where is John H. Small's law office located?
    John H. Small's law practice is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The firm is Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
    What practice areas does John H. Small handle?
    John H. Small focuses on bankruptcy, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
    Where did John H. Small go to law school?
    John H. Small earned their education at (JD, 1979); (BA, 1976).
    How can I contact John H. Small for a consultation?
    You can contact John H. Small 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 John H. Small received?
    John H. Small's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law.

    Professional Profile

    Why Clients in Greensboro Choose John H. Small

    Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John H. Small's practice in the field of bankruptcy and litigation.

    Broad Practice Area Coverage

    Covering bankruptcy and litigation, John H. Small can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

    Local Presence in Greensboro

    A Greensboro-based practice means John H. Small attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

    Case Types

    Common Legal Issues John H. Small Handles in Greensboro

    Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John H. Small has experience with under North Carolina law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

    Chapter 7 liquidation
    Bankruptcy
    Chapter 13 repayment plans
    Bankruptcy
    Debt negotiation
    Bankruptcy
    Creditor harassment defense
    Bankruptcy

    This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John H. Small directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

    Search Reference

    How People Find John H. Small Online

    Prospective clients searching for legal help in Greensboro commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like John H. Small.

    John H. Small attorney John H. Small lawyer John H. Small Greensboro John H. Small North Carolina John H. Small reviews John H. Small contact Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP law firm bankruptcy attorney in Greensboro bankruptcy lawyer Greensboro best bankruptcy attorney Greensboro top rated bankruptcy lawyer near me bankruptcy attorney North Carolina find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

    If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with John H. Small directly.

    Education & Law School Background

    JD
    Yale University
    - 1979
    BA
    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    - 1976

    Awards & Professional Honors

    Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
    - 2026
    Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Triad)
    - 2024
    Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Triad)
    - 2024
    Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Triad)
    - 2021
    Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Triad)
    - 2020
    Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Triad)
    - 2020
    Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Greensboro)
    - 2018
    Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Greensboro)
    - 2016
    Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Greensboro)
    - 2012

    Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

    North Carolina, United States

    Client Reviews & Ratings — John H. Small

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