Bettie Kelley Sousa has practiced with Smith Debnam since becoming licensed in 1981. She has a wealth of experience in state and federal courts, including bankruptcy courts, at both trial and appellate levels. She represents mostly businesses — both large and small — in a variety of matters, including advising clients during business break-ups, contract drafting and review, disputes involving sales of goods or services, and issues pertaining to employment laws in North Carolina.

Bettie prides herself in efficiently finding peaceful resolutions for her clients. She is skilled at avoiding litigation and locking down agreements to avoid further disputes. But, if a case requires litigation, she is an accomplished trial lawyer, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in her many years of practice. Since 1993, Bettie has been certified as a Creditors’ Rights Specialist by the American Board of Certification (ABC), for which she served as President and Chair, and remains an Emeritus Director.  She is listed as a North Carolina Super Lawyer® for Business Litigation, and created and has taught a course in Business Litigation at Wake Forest University School of Law for several years.