Leading Law Firm in North Carolina

Civil Litigation
Criminal Defense
Criminal Tax Defense
Divorce & Family Law
Education Law

/ Experience /

Serving NC Since 1964

Tharrington Smith was founded on September 1, 1964, by Harold Tharrington and Wade Smith, both UNC-Chapel Hill alumni, with a simple mission: to welcome and serve clients from all walks of life. From the very beginning, the firm built its reputation on providing reliable, compassionate legal services, guided by a commitment to integrity, fairness, and hard work.

Today, Tharrington Smith specializes in five main areas of practice: criminal defense, divorce and family law, education law, civil litigation, and criminal tax defense. With a legacy of excellence, our team continues to offer expert legal representation, helping clients navigate their legal challenges with the same dedication and care that has defined us for over six decades.

60+

Years in Business
Serving NC
39,000+

Cases Handled
By Our Attorneys
44+

Number of Attorneys
Ready to Serve
14

Best Law Firms® Awards
in Practice Areas

/ Expertise /

Our Practice

Civil
Litigation

We excel in handling high-stakes civil disputes, including bet-the-company litigation, beverage alcohol control law, business torts, intellectual property, and complex contract matters. Whether through aggressive courtroom representation or strategic negotiations, we achieve favorable outcomes in both state and federal courts.

Criminal
Defense

Our criminal defense team provides relentless representation for individuals facing serious charges, including white-collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, and complex criminal investigations. We bring a sharp, strategic approach to every case, protecting our clients’ rights and ensuring the most effective defense.

Criminal Tax
Defense

As leaders in criminal tax defense, we specialize in defending individuals and businesses against tax fraud, evasion, and related charges. With the expertise of forensic accountants and former IRS agents, we create robust defenses tailored to both federal and state tax issues, striving for the best possible resolution.

Divorce &
Family Law

We offer compassionate yet skilled representation in divorce and family law matters, including child custody, asset division, and spousal support. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our attorneys focus on securing the most favorable outcomes for our clients and their families.

Education
Law

As the leading education law firm in North Carolina, we provide comprehensive legal counsel to public schools and school boards, handling matters such as special education, student rights, public records compliance, and school construction. Our attorneys advocate tirelessly for educational institutions in both legal matters and litigation.

/Respected /

A Tradition of Excellence

/ Integrity /

The Tharrington Smith Difference

Comprehensive Expertise

We offer recognized excellence across diverse practice areas, including education law, family law, criminal defense, civil litigation, and criminal tax defense.

Client-Centered Approach

We take time to understand each client’s unique needs, tailoring our strategies to meet their specific goals and concerns.

Proven
Success

With more than six decades of experience, our firm has established a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients across various sectors.

Longstanding Reputation

Our firm is known for its integrity, professionalism, and dedication to excellence, making us a trusted partner for individuals, businesses, and institutions in navigating complex legal challenges.

Alice Stubbs is a ROCKSTAR!! I found Alice after several consultations with other attorneys and knew right away she was the one to handle my complex case. From the beginning, she truly listened, was compassionate about my situation, and provided strong legal expertise. Alice is sharp, insightful, and great at explaining the legal process. I felt like she had my back from the start, and I immediately felt comfortable and confident with whichever route we needed to take in the legal process. I can’t say enough great things about Alice and have recommended her to many people over the years.

Allison B.
Russell resolved a complex legal situation with many moving parts in the most professional and respectful manner possible. The sensitive legal matter stemmed from a domestic scenario where the chances of a favorable resolution were not in my favor. He listened carefully, asked all the right questions, and demonstrated a deep understanding of how to navigate the legal system. Mr. Babb was patient, methodical, and highly effective in fully resolving the matter. I had many legal options, but I trusted Russell—and he delivered beyond my expectations. I highly recommend his services for any criminal matter and fully vouch for his effectiveness. You will not be disappointed if you hire Russell Babb as your attorney.

Anonymous
Melissa Hill was the best lawyer for my family. She was thorough, attentive and a blessing. I am grateful she was available when she was referred to us. You’re in great hands with Melissa leading the way!

Allison B.

/ Trusted /

What our clients say about Tharrington Smith

0 Client Reviews

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Let’s Talk.
Schedule a Consultation.

Phone / Fax (919) 821-4711 / (919) 829-1583

Email info@tharringtonsmith.com

Building Address

150 Fayetteville Street
Suite 1900
Raleigh, NC 27601

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 1151
Raleigh, NC 27602

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Leading Law Firm in North Carolina

Serving NC Since 1964