North Carolina’s legal community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and influential figures, Buzzy Stubbs. The veteran bankruptcy lawyer, who dedicated more than half a century to shaping the landscape of bankruptcy law in the state, has passed away, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in shock and disbelief. His passing was confirmed by a heartfelt Facebook post, which read: “I took this photo several years ago, when Buzzy came by our home to see our family play some music on the porch, and he wanted to take a picture in my banjo hat. It looked good on him.” While the cause of his death remains unknown, the outpouring of tributes from across the legal and local communities speaks volumes about the profound impact he had on the lives he touched.
Buzzy Stubbs was not only a highly accomplished bankruptcy lawyer but also a mentor, a leader, and a pillar of his community. His career, spanning more than 50 years, was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, the practice of law, and the well-being of his clients. His passing marks the end of an era in North Carolina’s legal history, but his legacy will continue to influence and inspire future generations of legal professionals.
The story of Buzzy Stubbs is one that began in New Bern, North Carolina, where he was raised and later built a successful legal career. He was known as a man of integrity and principle, dedicated to using the law to protect the rights and interests of those who found themselves in financial distress. Whether it was guiding individuals through personal bankruptcy or assisting businesses with complex financial restructuring, Stubbs approached every case with a deep sense of responsibility and care. For those who worked with him, he was not just a lawyer—he was a confidante, an advocate, and a steady hand in times of uncertainty.
Buzzy Stubbs’ influence extended far beyond the courtroom. His work as Chapter 13 Trustee for more than 40 years set the standard for how bankruptcy cases were managed in North Carolina. He became known as an expert in the field, and his leadership helped shape bankruptcy law in ways that benefited both debtors and creditors alike. His role as Trustee placed him at the center of many important legal decisions, and his fair, thoughtful approach to resolving disputes earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues across the state.
But Stubbs’ contributions were not limited to his work in bankruptcy law. Over the course of his career, he became a tireless advocate for the agricultural community, representing farmers and other agricultural professionals in a variety of legal matters. His work in this field was vital to many in North Carolina, particularly in navigating complex issues such as crop insurance claims and disputes with federal agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture. Stubbs understood the challenges faced by the farming community, and his legal expertise helped protect their livelihoods in the face of adversity.
One of Stubbs’ most enduring legacies is his role in founding the Stubbs Bankruptcy Clinic at Campbell Law School in Raleigh. Established in 2014, the clinic was the culmination of Stubbs’ desire to give back to the community and support the next generation of bankruptcy lawyers. The clinic serves as both a training ground for law students and a vital resource for individuals who may not otherwise have access to legal representation. Through the clinic, Stubbs provided a space for young lawyers to learn the intricacies of bankruptcy law while ensuring that financially distressed individuals had access to quality legal counsel.
The creation of the Stubbs Bankruptcy Clinic was a reflection of Stubbs’ belief that bankruptcy law should be accessible to all, regardless of financial standing. He understood that bankruptcy was not just a legal procedure—it was a lifeline for those facing overwhelming debt and financial hardship. By empowering law students to learn through practical experience and by providing pro bono services to those in need, Stubbs created a lasting legacy of compassion and service that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.
For his efforts in the field of bankruptcy law, Stubbs was recognized with numerous accolades throughout his career. One of the most significant honors came in 2012 when he was awarded the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bankruptcy Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. This prestigious award acknowledged his extraordinary contributions to the practice of bankruptcy law and his leadership within the legal community. It was a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to helping others navigate some of the most difficult challenges they would ever face.
Stubbs’ accomplishments were further celebrated in 2021 when he was inducted into the Bankruptcy Hall of Fame by Business North Carolina. This honor recognized his decades of excellence and the profound influence he had on the bankruptcy profession in North Carolina. For those who knew Stubbs, his induction into the Hall of Fame was not just a recognition of his professional achievements but also a celebration of his character, his work ethic, and his dedication to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.
Throughout his career, Buzzy Stubbs was a tireless advocate for fairness and justice in the bankruptcy process. He believed in the importance of giving people a second chance, and he worked diligently to ensure that the bankruptcy system was fair and equitable for all parties involved. Whether he was representing a small business trying to stay afloat or an individual struggling with personal debt, Stubbs approached every case with the same level of care, professionalism, and dedication.
His leadership in the bankruptcy field also extended to his work as one of the inaugural class of Board Certified Specialists in both Business and Consumer Bankruptcy, certified by the North Carolina State Bar over 35 years ago. This designation was a recognition of Stubbs’ expertise in the field and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence. It was also a testament to his deep knowledge of the complexities of bankruptcy law and his ability to navigate even the most challenging cases with skill and precision.
For over 50 years, Stubbs helped shape the field of bankruptcy law in North Carolina. His guidance was sought by legal professionals across the state, and his influence can still be felt in the way bankruptcy cases are handled today. His contributions to the development of bankruptcy law, particularly in the areas of Chapter 13 bankruptcy and agricultural law, will continue to have a lasting impact on the legal community.
But beyond his professional achievements, Buzzy Stubbs was known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. The Facebook post that confirmed his passing, which included a picture of him wearing a banjo hat while visiting a family to watch them play music on the porch, captured the spirit of a man who was as comfortable in a casual, down-to-earth setting as he was in a courtroom. He was beloved by his family, friends, and colleagues not just for his legal acumen but for his warmth, his humility, and his ability to connect with people on a personal level.
In his personal life, Stubbs was a devoted family man. He cherished his time with his loved ones and was known for his dedication to his family and his close-knit circle of friends. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, and his legacy will live on through the memories and lessons he imparted to them. Those who knew him best speak of his love for life, his infectious enthusiasm, and his deep sense of empathy for those around him.
As news of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the state. Fellow lawyers, former clients, and community members have shared their memories of Stubbs, reflecting on the impact he had on their lives both personally and professionally. Many have spoken of his mentorship, describing him as a guiding light in their legal careers. For others, he was a trusted advisor during some of the most difficult times of their lives, providing not only legal counsel but emotional support and reassurance.
Stubbs’ influence extended beyond the legal field. He was an active member of his community, participating in various civic and charitable organizations. His commitment to service was evident in everything he did, from his work with the Stubbs Bankruptcy Clinic to his involvement in local causes that aimed to improve the lives of those in need. His contributions to the community were not limited to his legal expertise—he was known for his generosity and willingness to help others in any way he could.
The passing of Buzzy Stubbs has left a void in the legal community and in the hearts of those who knew him. His death marks the end of a distinguished career, but his legacy will continue to shape the practice of bankruptcy law in North Carolina for years to come. His dedication to justice, his commitment to service, and his compassionate approach to the law will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In the coming days, the family is expected to release an obituary that will provide more details about Stubbs’ life and the arrangements for his memorial service. While his death is a tremendous loss for the community, his legacy of excellence, service, and compassion will live on through the many lives he touched during his remarkable career.
As one colleague aptly put it, “Buzzy Stubbs was more than just a lawyer—he was a friend, a mentor, and a pillar of our community. His passing is a great loss, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
