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Attorney Profiles

Gary K. Shipman 
Wilmington, North Carolina
phone 888-332-1241
fax (910) 762-6752
email Email Me

In 1980, at the age of 24, Gary began practicing law in Wilmington, North Carolina, and founded his own firm two years later. Gary is recognized throughout the State of North Carolina for his effectiveness and skills in the courtroom, and has handled more than 100 jury trials to verdict during his career. He has handled cases ranging from medical negligence to catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death; products liability to consumer fraud and protection; condemnation to complex civil litigation. He has served as lead counsel and/or co-lead counsel in various national class actions. In 1991, Gary received the prestigious Addison Hewlett Award for his pro-bono work. In 1992, he secured the largest two verdicts in the State of North Carolina for that year. Gary is a frequent lecturer on issues ranging from trial advocacy skills to products liability. Gary was featured in a 1998 article in the Triangle Business Journal entitled "Ten To Watch: Attorneys that have an impact on North Carolina Business."

On May 8 of 2000, he was featured on the front page of the Wilmington star news. The article outlined Mr. Shipman's numerous strengths in the courtroom; most importantly his aggressive nature and his work ethic.

Gary was named North Carolina Super Lawyers 2nd year in a row.

Gary was also named to the Best Lawyers in America.

Despite a busy professional life, Gary maintains strong ties to the community. He is frequently called upon to speak to students about the law, and is a frequent guest on community radio programs. Since 1990, Gary has sponsored and coached little league baseball teams throughout the Wilmington area. He is a supporter of numerous local charities and is active politically, having served as Chair of the New Hanover County Democratic Party.

Gary is married to Mary Jo Shipman, and they have three children: Brandon, Khale and Bryce.

Areas of Practice:
Medical Negligence
Catastrophic Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
Products Liability
Consumer Fraud
Protection
Complex Civil Litigation
Certification/Specialties:
Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy


Bar Admissions:
North Carolina, 1980
U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina, 1981
U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina, 1981
U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina, 1981
U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 1986
U.S. Federal Courts, 1981
U.S. Supreme Court, 1987
Education:
Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Buies Creek, North Carolina, 1980
Juris Doctor


University of North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina, 1977
Bachelor of Arts with Honors (Cum Laude)


Professional Associations and Memberships:
New Hanover County Bar Association


North Carolina Bar Association


North Carolina State Bar


North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers


American Association for Justice
Member


Southern Trial Lawyers Association


Fraternities/Sororities:
Delta Theta Phi

At the Wilmington, NC offices of Shipman & Wright, L.L.P., we represent clients throughout North Carolina, including but not limited to Brunswick County, New Hanover County, and Pender County.