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Debbie often represents key executives and assists high net worth families and individuals in developing and implementing Gift and Estate Tax Planning and the administration of substantial and complex estates and trusts.
Additionally, Debbie has a broad range of experience with closely-held companies, including Mergers and Acquisitions, private debt placements and Corporate Financings, and negotiating contracts.
About
Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen has been practicing with Manning Fulton since 1988. Debbie heads the firm’s Estate Administration Section and with more than 30 years of experience, she is known throughout the state of North Carolina for her expertise in the areas of estate planning and administration. Debbie often represents key executives and assists high net worth families and individuals in developing and implementing gift and estate tax planning and the administration of substantial and complex estates and trusts. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Debbie’s broad range of experience with closely-held businesses makes her an important part of the company’s outside management team, advising business owners on day-to-day operations, drafting and negotiating contracts, acquiring and disposing of businesses, and advising on financial matters and transactions. Her industry experience includes automotive, manufacturing/sales, and warehouse/distribution.
Debbie has been consistently recognized in many State and Nationally respected publications. She has been named in The Best Lawyers in America® (2009-2024). Additionally, she was selected for inclusion among North Carolina Super Lawyers (2006-2024/ NC’s Top 100 Lawyers 2009, 2010 / Top 50 Female Lawyers 2006-2014). She has also been recognized in Business North Carolina magazine’s Legal Elite in the areas of Tax and Estate Planning (2005, 2017) and Corporate Law (2006). She is the recipient of a Women in Business Award (2005) presented by the Triangle Business Journal and a Women Extraordinaire Award (2005) presented by Business Leader Magazine
Credentials
Education
- Wingate College – A.A. – 1973
- University of North Carolina -B.S., B.A. – 1976
- University of North Carolina – J.D – 1984
Admitted to Practice
- State of North Carolina (1984)
- United State Tax Court (1984)
- United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (1984)
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (1988)
- Supreme Court of the United States (2007)
Professional Memberships & Activities
- North Carolina Bar Foundation
- Board of Directors (2025)
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Fellow (2004-2025)
- Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate (1996-2025)
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Tax Section
- Council Member (1993-1996)
- Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section
- Chair (2006-2007)
- Council Member (2000-2003)
- Chair Estate Administration Manual Committee Chair (1999-2001)
- Local Bar Outreach Committee (formerly Local Bar Services Committee) Member (2009-2018)
- Convention Planning Committee Member (2011-2021)
- International Law & Practice Section
- Council Member (2008-2011)
- Leader Attorney Exchange Leader to Turkey (2010)
- Business Law Section
- North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Program (LEAP) Subcommittee (2011-2013)
- 4All Call Day Participant (2007-2023)
- Tax Section
- Wake County Bar Association
- Treasurer (2013-2015)
- Board of Directors (2010-2011)
- Chair Swearing-In Ceremony Committee (2010-2011)
- Co-Chair Bar Awards Planning Committee (2011-2012)
- President’s Award of Excellence (2009, 2012)
- Chair, Social Committee (2016)
- Member WCBAF Steering/Endowment Commitee (2017-2025)
- American Bar Association (1988-2025)
- Tax Section (1988-2024)
- Wingate Alumni Trailblazer Leadership Award Recipient (2025)
- UNC Tax Institute Planning Committee Member (2006-2021)
- Former Lecturer at UNC Chapel Hill School of Law
- UNC Law School Alumni Board of Directors, Member (2011-2018)
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America (2009-2027) for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses, Corporate, Tax and Trusts and Estates Law, (2025) for Business Organizations and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Recognized by Super Lawyers (2006-2026)
- UNC Kenan-Flagler Alumni Council (2023-present)
- Successfully completed the CPA Exam
- Recognized with a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review AV Rating™ (2024)
Community Engagement
Salvation Army of Wake County Board of Advisors (2005-2025)
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina Campaign Cabinet Member (2015)
Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
- Board of Advisors (2002-2018)
- Chair Executive Women’s Task Force (2004)
Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
- Chair Capital (Raleigh) Region Advisory Board (2011-2018)
North Raleigh United Methodist Church
- Trustee (1990-1999)
Member Capital City Club Executive Women’s Steering Committee (1995)
Raleigh Racquet Club
- Director and Treasurer (1993-1996)