Gary K. Shipman (’80)

Shipman & Wright LLP
Wilmington, NC

Practice areas: Personal Injury Plaintiff: General, Business Litigation, Class Action/Mass Torts
About Shipman: In 1980, Shipman graduated from Campbell University Law School, where he was named its top trial advocacy student, and began practicing law in Wilmington, N.C. Two years later, he founded his own firm. Shipman 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, Shipman 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. Shipman is a frequent lecturer on issues ranging from trial advocacy skills to products liability. He was featured in a 1998 article in the Triangle Business Journal entitled "Ten To Watch: Attorneys that have an impact on North Carolina Business." Shipman maintains strong ties to the community and is frequently called upon to speak to students about the law, as well as a guest on community radio programs. Since 1990, he 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.