Gary K. Shipman
Managing Partner & Attorney
Gary K. Shipman
Managing Partner & Attorney
From a young age, Gary Shipman knew he was destined for the courtroom. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, he earned his law degree from Campbell University School of Law at the age of 24. Two years later, Gary founded his own firm, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Gary has spent over forty-five years trying cases nationwide, including complex and consequential cases involving personal injury, commercial litigation, professional negligence, and class actions. His courtroom presence and dogged advocacy have earned him a national reputation, and his peers have recognized him as one of the Best Lawyers in America since 2007 and as a Super Lawyer since 2006.
At his firm, Gary prioritizes the needs of his clients. When the Great Recession hit, he shifted his practice towards business reorganization and loan workouts. He now represents debtors and creditors in lender liability actions and is a consultant for businesses and investors in various asset transactions.
Gary is also passionate about giving back to his community. He has served as the former chairman of the New Hanover County Democratic Party and as a former member of the UNC-Wilmington Board of Trustees. He has also spent twenty years as a youth baseball coach and developed a full-service sports agency, Atlantic Sports Management, in 2013. Gary is certified as a contract advisor and agent by the NFL and NBA, and his clients include coaches and athletes.
Gary and his wife, Mary Jo, have three sons. In addition to his legal and community work, Gary is a frequent speaker and lecturer in continuing legal education seminars and at his alma maters, UNC-Wilmington and Campbell University School of Law. Gary’s dedication to his clients, community, and passion for sports has made him an exceptional personal injury attorney and leader in Wilmington.
Areas of Practice
- Alternative Dispute Resolution – Arbitration
- Antitrust & Trade Regulation – Deceptive Trade Practices
- Construction Law – Construction Contracts
- Construction Law – Defects
- Litigation & Appeals – Class Actions
- Consumer Class Actions
- Construction Litigation
- Unfair & Deceptive Trade Practice
- Products Liability
- Class Actions
- Qui Tam/False Claims
- Professional Negligence
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Consumer Fraud
- Civil Rights
- Lender Liability
Awards & memberships