Raleigh, N.C., January 8, 2026 – Each year, the Legal Elite distinction recognizes North Carolina attorneys who have earned the respect of their peers through professionalism, experience, and service to clients. We’re proud to share that eight attorneys at Tharrington Smith, LLP have been selected as part of the 2026 Legal Elite, a peer-voted honor published by Business North Carolina.
2026 Legal Elite Honorees
Family Law
Criminal Law
This year’s Legal Elite class includes Casey Fidler, who was recognized in the Young Guns category. Casey reflected on the honor:
“Being recognized by my peers is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m grateful for the mentorship and support at Tharrington Smith and proud to work alongside attorneys who are deeply committed to their clients and the practice of law.”
In addition, Tharrington Smith, LLP is honored to recognize attorneys who are members of the Legal Elite Hall of Fame, a distinction reserved for attorneys who have received the highest number of peer votes in their respective practice areas over multiple years:
- Russell D. Babb – Criminal Law (Hall of Fame member since 2025)
- Carlyn Poole – Family Law (Hall of Fame member since 2008; retired)
- Wade Smith – Criminal Law (Hall of Fame member since 2004)
The 2026 Legal Elite marks the 25th year of the recognition. Fewer than 1,100 attorneys statewide were selected from more than 30,000 attorneys regulated by the North Carolina State Bar. The selection process is based on confidential peer voting and independently facilitated by DataJoe Research, which verifies active licensure and professional standing.
For more information about the Legal Elite and to view the complete list of 2026 honorees, visit: https://businessnc.com/legal-elite-2026-the-states-top-lawyers/
About Tharrington Smith LLP:
The attorneys at Tharrington Smith LLP pride themselves on providing the highest quality professional legal services available. The motto “We don’t deal with cases, we deal with people” is the foundation of our practice, and we have been building successful relationships in the state since 1964. Because of this, our firm has grown practices that reach across North Carolina and has earned a reputation that spreads across the nation. Focusing on the core proficiencies of family law, education law, criminal defense, criminal tax defense, and civil litigation, Tharrington Smith, LLP has helped countless individuals, companies, and governmental boards find lasting resolutions to their legal issues in North Carolina for 60 years.
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