Raleigh, NC – August 20, 2026 – Tharrington Smith, LLP is pleased to announce that 22 attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The firm is proud to have 18 attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and 4 attorneys named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, reflecting the depth of experience and talent across the firm’s practice areas.
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review, with attorneys evaluated by fellow legal professionals for their abilities, ethics, and professional accomplishments. For more than four decades, the publication has recognized lawyers who have earned the respect of their peers through exceptional legal work and a commitment to client service.
“We are honored to have so many of our attorneys recognized by their peers,” said Russell D. Babb, Co-Managing Partner of Tharrington Smith LLP. “These recognitions reflect the talent, professionalism, and commitment our attorneys bring to every client they serve. We are proud to see their work acknowledged and grateful for the trust our clients place in our firm.”
The following Tharrington Smith attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®:
- F. Hill Allen – Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White Collar
- Russell D. Babb – Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White Collar
- Mary Aiken Barrow – Family Law
- Jonathan A. Blumberg – Education Law
- Lynn P. Burleson (Retired) – Family Law
- Sonya DuBree – Family Law
- Melissa Hill – Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Evan Horwitz – Family Law
- Douglas E. Kingsbery – Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Rod Malone – Construction Law
- Steven D. Mansbery – Family Law
- Jaye Meyer (Retired) – Family Law
- Carolyn Murchison – Education Law
- Jeffrey R. Russell – Family Law
- Roger W. Smith, Jr. – Criminal Defense: General Practice, DUI/DWI Defense
- Wade M. Smith – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Ken Soo – Appellate Practice, Litigation – First Amendment, Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Alice C. Stubbs – Family Law
The firm also congratulates the following five attorneys recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America:
- Casey Fidler – Family Law
- Lacy Hansen – Criminal Defense: White Collar
- Sharon Lin – Education Law
- Patricia Robinson – Education Law
About Best Lawyers®:
Best Lawyers® is the most established global network of legal professionals, recognized for identifying the top attorneys through a rigorous, peer-review process. It provides elite lawyers and law firms with tools to enhance visibility, credibility, and client engagement. In addition to delivering data-driven legal recognition, Best Lawyers offers industry insights and innovative marketing solutions. Through its Best Law Firms® platform, it simplifies the law firm selection process, helping clients make informed decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.bestlawyers.com.
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.
© Tharrington Smith, LLP
