Wade M. Smith, Attorney

For residents and businesses across North Carolina, navigating the complexities of the legal system, especially in high-stakes criminal or civil matters, demands the very best in legal representation. When your future, reputation, or business is on the line, you need an attorney with not only profound legal knowledge but also a proven track record of success, unwavering dedication, and an intimate understanding of the state's legal landscape. In Raleigh, North Carolina, one name stands out as an icon in the legal profession: Wade M. Smith, Attorney.

This article is designed to offer a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Wade M. Smith for those in the North Carolina region. We will delve into his legendary career, his areas of unparalleled expertise, the convenience of his Raleigh location, and the numerous accolades that affirm his status as one of the state's most acclaimed lawyers. Our goal is to provide a factual and insightful perspective, helping you understand why Mr. Smith is often considered "the ultimate winner" and a truly exceptional choice for your most critical legal needs.

Introduction / Overview

Wade M. Smith is a towering figure in North Carolina's legal community, boasting a career spanning nearly 60 years. He is recognized as one of the state's best-known and most acclaimed lawyers, with a reputation that extends far beyond the courtroom. As a senior attorney, now Of Counsel, at the distinguished firm Tharrington Smith, LLP, Mr. Smith has dedicated his practice to complex civil and criminal litigation, often handling high-profile and "Bet-the-Company" cases that shape legal precedents and capture public attention.

Mr. Smith's journey in law is as compelling as the cases he has tried. A Morehead Scholarship recipient and an All-American football player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he brought a unique blend of discipline, strategic thinking, and tenacity to his legal career. After serving as a prosecutor in Wake County Superior Court, he transitioned to trial law, where he has since tried dozens of cases before juries in federal and state courts across North Carolina and other states. His career is replete with notable cases, including his role as counsel to Dr. Jeffrey McDonald in the much-studied "Green Beret Murder case" and, more recently, as lead counsel for Collin Finnerty in the highly publicized Duke Lacrosse Case. Beyond his courtroom prowess, Mr. Smith is renowned as a masterful storyteller, believing that every case holds a compelling narrative waiting to be told. His deep understanding of the law, combined with his strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment to his clients, has earned him the trust and admiration of peers and clients alike, making him a living legend in North Carolina's legal landscape.

Location and Accessibility

Wade M. Smith, Attorney, practices from the prestigious offices of Tharrington Smith, centrally located at 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA. This prominent address places his legal services in the vibrant heart of downtown Raleigh, offering unparalleled accessibility for clients throughout North Carolina.

The firm's strategic position on Fayetteville Street, a major and easily recognizable thoroughfare, ensures that clients can reach the office with convenience and efficiency. For those traveling by car, downtown Raleigh provides ample public parking options, including multiple parking decks and street parking, all within a short walking distance of the Wells Fargo Building where the office is situated. This ease of access is particularly beneficial for clients who may be traveling from various parts of Wake County or from more distant communities across the state, minimizing stress associated with legal appointments.

Furthermore, the central location ensures excellent connectivity via Raleigh's public transportation network. Numerous COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus routes operate with stops in the immediate vicinity of Fayetteville Street, offering a practical and accessible alternative for individuals relying on public transit. The firm's presence in such a prominent and well-connected area of the city underscores its professional stature and ensures that top-tier legal advocacy is readily available to North Carolinians in their time of need.

Services Offered

Wade M. Smith's extensive career has seen him handle a vast array of legal matters, with a particular emphasis on complex and high-stakes cases across various domains. His services include:

• Criminal Defense: This is a cornerstone of his legendary practice. Mr. Smith represents individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges, from general practice offenses to highly complex white-collar crimes such as tax fraud, Medicaid and Medicare fraud, healthcare fraud, environmental crimes, and financial crimes. He is known for his aggressive and meticulous defense strategies in both state and federal courts.
• Bet-the-Company Litigation: Mr. Smith is highly sought after for cases where the very existence or future of a business is at stake. He represents businesses and business people in crisis during federal and state criminal investigations and trials, providing strategic counsel in high-stakes civil and criminal proceedings where the outcome could be catastrophic for the entity involved.
• Civil Litigation: Beyond criminal defense, Mr. Smith handles a variety of civil disputes, representing both people and businesses. He approaches every civil case with the same dedication and thoroughness as a criminal defense matter, emphasizing that "there are no small cases. All cases which concern people are important to them, and therefore to him."
• Appeals: With vast experience in trial work, Mr. Smith also handles appellate cases, bringing his keen analytical skills to challenging lower court decisions in higher federal and state courts.
• Governmental and Regulatory Law: Leveraging his understanding of governmental processes (including his past service in the NC House of Representatives and as Chair of the NC Democratic Party), he advises on regulatory matters, including those involving licensing boards discipline.
• Election Law and Redistricting: His political background also lends itself to expertise in election law, including complex redistricting challenges.

Features / Highlights

Wade M. Smith's unparalleled career is characterized by numerous features and highlights that affirm his status as a legal giant in North Carolina:

• "The Ultimate Winner": A direct quote from a client review, this highlights his remarkable track record of success in the courtroom. His consistent ability to secure favorable outcomes is a defining characteristic of his practice.
• Legendary Experience: With nearly 60 years in the legal field, Mr. Smith brings an unmatched depth of experience to every case. His career has seen him try "dozens of cases before juries in federal and state courts across North Carolina and other states."
• Accolades and Recognition: He has been consistently listed in "Best Lawyers in America" since its inception in 1983, a testament to enduring excellence. He was named North Carolina's "number one criminal lawyer" by Business North Carolina Magazine in 2004 and is a member of their "Legal Elite" Hall of Fame. He has also been listed in "North Carolina Super Lawyers Top 100" and "Top 25 Raleigh Lawyers."
• Prestigious Fellowships: Mr. Smith is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and the International Society of Barristers, all of which are invitation-only organizations recognizing the highest levels of trial advocacy and professionalism.
• High-Profile Case Involvement: His career includes landmark cases such as serving as counsel in the "Green Beret Murder case" and lead counsel for Collin Finnerty in the Duke Lacrosse Case, demonstrating his capability in handling cases of national significance.
• Storytelling Prowess: Renowned as a "renowned storyteller," Mr. Smith believes in finding the compelling narrative within each case, an art he has shared in seminars, which significantly enhances his persuasive abilities in the courtroom.
• Commitment to Justice: He was appointed by the North Carolina Chief Justice to serve as one of the eight original commissioners on the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, established to evaluate actual innocence claims, showcasing his dedication to upholding justice.
• Ethical and Professional Standing: His receipt of awards like the Joseph Branch Professionalism Award by the Wake County Bar Association and the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism Award underscores his unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards in the legal profession.

Promotions or Special Offers

Given Wade M. Smith's unparalleled experience and standing as one of North Carolina's most acclaimed attorneys, his practice, like many highly specialized legal services, typically operates without standard "promotions" in the conventional sense. However, for individuals and businesses in North Carolina facing critical legal challenges, the opportunity to secure representation from an attorney of Mr. Smith's caliber is, in itself, a unique advantage.

While specific public offers are not listed, it is customary for legal professionals, particularly in complex litigation and criminal defense, to engage in an initial consultation. This confidential meeting allows prospective clients to discuss the specifics of their case, understand the potential legal strategies, and determine the scope of representation. It is an invaluable opportunity to tap into decades of unparalleled legal wisdom and explore how Mr. Smith's profound expertise can be applied to their situation.

Individuals and entities facing significant legal hurdles are encouraged to contact Tharrington Smith directly to inquire about scheduling a consultation with Mr. Smith and to discuss any associated fees. This direct engagement is the most effective way to explore how his legendary advocacy can be brought to bear on your most pressing legal concerns.

Contact Information

For North Carolina residents and businesses seeking the unmatched legal expertise of Wade M. Smith, Attorney, he can be reached through the following contact details at Tharrington Smith:

• Address: 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
• Phone: (919) 821-4711
• Mobile Phone: +1 919-821-4711

The firm's office staff is available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries, facilitate scheduling, and provide further information regarding Mr. Smith's areas of practice. Direct contact via phone is the most efficient and recommended way to discuss your specific legal needs and explore how his extensive experience and winning track record can benefit your situation.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and businesses across North Carolina, Wade M. Smith, Attorney, offers an unparalleled and exceptionally suitable choice for legal representation, particularly when facing high-stakes criminal defense or complex civil litigation. His suitability for locals is rooted in his nearly six decades of dedicated practice within the state, affording him an intimate understanding of North Carolina's legal landscape, its courts, and its communities. When a North Carolinian faces a "Bet-the-Company" case or a serious criminal charge, the need for an attorney with a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes is paramount, and Mr. Smith is consistently lauded as "the ultimate winner."

His legendary status is not just built on longevity, but on a consistent record of success, earning him countless accolades and the deep respect of his peers. This means that locals engaging Mr. Smith are not just hiring an attorney; they are securing a legal icon whose name itself commands attention in North Carolina courtrooms. His unique background as both a former prosecutor and a masterful trial lawyer provides a strategic advantage, allowing him to anticipate and effectively counter the opposition's moves, a crucial benefit for those navigating the state's justice system.

Furthermore, his central and highly accessible location in downtown Raleigh ensures that this unparalleled legal expertise is within reach for clients from all corners of the state. For any North Carolinian in need of the most formidable and experienced legal advocate for their most critical legal battles, Wade M. Smith stands as an outstanding and uniquely qualified choice, providing the peace of mind that comes from having a true legal legend in their corner.