Melissa Tulis Smith

Melissa Tulis Smith is an associate attorney at Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP, where she focuses on creditors’ rights, consumer collections, and financial services litigation. Known for her strategic precision and professionalism, she represents a wide range of businesses through every stage of the collection and litigation process. Her commitment to preparation, efficiency, and transparent communication ensures that clients receive practical guidance and informed solutions to complex financial disputes.

Melissa earned her J.D. from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law and her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she double-majored in Philosophy and Romance Languages. Licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, she also practices before multiple U.S. District Courts across these states.

Melissa has been recognized among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2025–2026) and North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2024–2025) for her excellence in creditors’ rights and litigation. She actively contributes to the legal community as Vice-Chair and Councilmember of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section, Membership Committee Chair for the North Carolina Creditors Bar Association, and a member of several professional organizations across three states.

Outside her practice, Melissa Tulis Smith is committed to civic involvement, volunteering with StepUp Ministry, Compass Center for Women and Families, and the Junior League of Raleigh. Her thoughtful advocacy, professionalism, and integrity have earned her respect among peers and clients alike, establishing her as a trusted and effective advocate in the areas of creditors’ rights, consumer financial litigation, and debt collection law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Associate, Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, South Carolina Bar
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, Tenth Judicial Bar
• Member, Wake County Bar Association
• Member, Virginia Creditors’ Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Business Law Section
• Member, South Carolina Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
• Member, North Carolina Creditors Bar Association, Membership Committee

Licensed State

• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Virginia

Education

• Campbell Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges