Raleigh, N.C., January 7, 2025 –Tharrington Smith, LLP is proud to announce that ten of our attorneys have been recognized by their peers in Business North Carolina’s prestigious 2025 “Legal Elite.” This honor highlights the top lawyers across various specialties in North Carolina. We are especially thrilled to celebrate Russell D. Babb’s induction into the “Legal Elite Hall of Fame,” a prestigious distinction awarded to the top vote-getter in each category.
Each year, Business North Carolina surveys members of the North Carolina State Bar, asking: “Of the Tar Heel lawyers whose work you have observed firsthand, whom would you rate among the current best in these categories?” The selection process ensures fairness by prohibiting attorneys from voting for themselves and by giving more weight to votes cast by those outside of their firm.
We are pleased to announce the following Tharrington Smith attorneys who have earned a spot in the 2025 “Legal Elite”:
- Alice Stubbs – Family Law
- Caitlin Birckhead – Family Law
- Evan Horwitz – Family Law
- F. Hill Allen – Criminal Law
- Jaye Meyer – Family Law
- Jeffrey Russell -Family Law
- Mary Aiken Barrow – Family Law
- Rod Malone – Construction Law
- Roger W. Smith, Jr. -Criminal Law
Tharrington Smith attorneys recognized as members of the “Legal Elite Hall of Fame” include:
- Russell D. Babb – Criminal Law (newly inducted for 2025)
- Carlyn Poole – Family Law (since 2008, retired)
- Wade Smith – Criminal Law (since 2004)
This year marks the 23rd edition of the “Legal Elite,” which recognizes attorneys across 17 specialties. The inclusion of so many of our attorneys underscores Tharrington Smith’s continued commitment to providing exceptional legal services in areas such as criminal defense, family law, education law, and beyond.
As Russell Babb, our Hall of Fame honoree for criminal law, shared, “Being recognized by my peers is both humbling and inspiring. This honor is a reflection of the incredible work we do as a firm, and I’m proud to be part of a team that consistently strives for excellence in service to our clients.”
For more information about the Legal Elite and to view the complete list of 2025 honorees, visit: https://businessnc.com/legal-elite-2025-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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