Gary K. Shipman, Class Action Attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Class Action, Construction, and Consumer
Wilmington, NC
Practicing class action in Wilmington since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Gary K. Shipman?
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Quick answer
Gary K. Shipman is an attorney based in Wilmington, NORTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Class Action, Construction, and Consumer. Gary has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shipman Wright & Moore LLP.
- Based in
- Wilmington, NORTH CAROLINA
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Class Action · Construction · Consumer
- Handles Class Action, Construction, and Consumer matters from Wilmington, NORTH CAROLINA.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Wilmington (NC) (2024).
About Gary K. Shipman: Gary K. Shipman is an attorney based in Wilmington, NORTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Class Action, Construction, and Consumer. Gary has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shipman Wright & Moore LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Gary takes on
Gary concentrates on class action, construction, consumer, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Class Action
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Construction
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Consumer
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Class Action cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Gary takes class action matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Gary takes construction matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Gary takes consumer matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Gary takes medical malpractice matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
Gary takes personal injury matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gary agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Gary K. Shipman — class action lawyer in Wilmington
Gary K. Shipman is an attorney based in Wilmington, NORTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Class Action, Construction, and Consumer. Gary has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shipman Wright & Moore LLP.
Gary grew up in Wake County, North Carolina, and attended the Wake County public schools. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC-Wilmington and his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial and Pre-Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict. He has been listed among the ”Best Lawyers in America” since 2007, having been named “Lawyer of the Year” for the years 2020-2024 in the field of medical malpractice. In 2013, he was recognized by North Carolina Lawyers’ Weekly as part of their “Leaders in the Law” and in 2025, was recognized by North Carolina Lawyers' Weekly as a "Legal News Maker. He has served on the Board of Trustees at UNC-Wilmington, and presently serves on the Board of Visitors at Campbell University School of Law. Gary is the recipient of the State of North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Gary specializes in complex litigation, including professional negligence, personal injury, products liability, consumer class actions, construction defects and mass torts. He has served as lead or co-lead counsel in various national and state wide class actions, and is a frequent lecturer on issues ranging from trial advocacy skills to products liability.
Gary is an Agent/Certified Contract Advisor in both the NFL and NBA, and is an NCAA certified basketball agent, and is an adjunct faculty member at his alma mater, Campbell University School of Law, where he teaches sports law. Gary is married to his wife, Mary Jo, and they have three children: Brandon (Connor), Khale (Jazmine) and Bryce, and 4 grandchildren.
Gary's approach to class action cases
Gary grew up in Wake County, North Carolina, and attended the Wake County public schools. He received his undergraduate degree at UNC-Wilmington and his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial and Pre-Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict. He has been listed among the ”Best Lawyers in…
Clients Gary works with
Gary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for class action, construction, and consumer matters in Wilmington and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Campbell University
J.D. · 1980
Campbell University
— · 1980
Jurisdictions
Gary's state bar admissions
North Carolina, Nort
1980 · ACTIVE
Gary studied at J.D. in Campbell University and — in Campbell University.
Law school and academic background
Gary completed J.D. in Campbell University and — in Campbell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gary runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Gary has received 36 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Wilmington (NC)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Wilmington (NC)
2022
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Wilmington (NC)
2021
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Consumer Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Sports Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Qui Tam Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Government Contracts
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Education Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers - North Carolina
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Addison Hewlett Pro Bono Award
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Wilmington (NC) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Wilmington (NC) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Wilmington (NC) (2021). Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (2026).
Locations
Gary K. Shipman's office in Wilmington
Gary's primary office is at 575 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 106, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28405. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Shipman Wright & Moore LLP
575 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 106
Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Gary K. Shipman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new class action attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Gary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a class action attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many class action matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Gary
Gary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in class action practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every class action matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Gary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many class action practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Gary K. Shipman
How much does it cost to hire Gary for a class action case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gary offer a free consultation?
Gary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary's office. Some class action attorneys offer free consults — check Gary's current terms during booking.
How long do class action cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple class action matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Gary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gary take my case if I'm outside Wilmington?
Gary is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Gary will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Gary?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Gary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gary accepting new class action clients right now?
Gary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Class Action attorneys serving Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
Gary handles class action matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified class action attorneys in that community.
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