Tom Gray concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, equipment leasing and finance, construction law and creditors' rights.

Tom represents a variety of businesses and individuals through all stages of commercial litigation. He represents clients in the construction industry, including general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers of labor and material, and developers of various construction projects. His representation includes protection of client's rights to payment on construction projects, contract review and transactional advice, filing and enforcing liens, and representation of clients in litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Tom also represents national and local equipment leasing companies and their financing sources seeking to enforce their rights pursuant to the lease, including the recovery of amounts due, recovery of equipment, and representation of creditors in bankruptcy court.

Tom has maintained his practice concentration in commercial litigation and creditors' rights since 1998. Prior to transferring to North Carolina and joining Smith Debnam, he worked with a Boston commercial litigation firm for more than five years, regularly appearing in District and Superior Courts throughout Massachusetts.

Areas of Practice

  • Business Litigation
  • Construction Law
  • Equipment Leasing & Finance

Admissions 

  • North Carolina State Bar
  • U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, Western District of North Carolina
  • Massachusetts State and Federal Courts
  • District of Columbia

Education

  • J.D., University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 1995; University of San Diego School of Law semester abroad at Magdalen College, Oxford University, England
  • B.A., Economics, University of Pittsburgh, 1991

Professional Affiliations

  • Wake County Bar Association
  • Boston Bar Association
  • Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, Member
  • National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA), Member
  • Primerus Law Society; Business Law Institute, Commercial Law Group

Civic Involvement

  • Leadership Raleigh, Class of 2011
  • Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce; Board of Advisors
  • Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
  • Pitt Alumni Association, Life Member

Published Articles

  • Important Opinions, Contract, Enforceability –Sunday Statute, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, vol.31, no.9, October 2002
  • Enforceability of Sunday Statues, Law Journal Network’s Equipment Leasing Newsletter, December 2002
  • Practical Advice During the Residential Real Estate Crisis, Legal Insights, May 2008
  • E-Discovery: A New Wrinkle In Litigation, Legal Insights, May 2007