Overview
Tharrington Smith LLP is a renowned law firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, established in 1964. Over more than half a century, they have built a substantial reputation across North Carolina and the nation through their dedication to providing high-quality legal services. The firm focuses on several core practice areas: family law, criminal defense, criminal tax defense, civil litigation, and education law. The firm maintains a strong digital presence, ensuring convenient access for its clients and peers through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Leadership and Team
Managing Partners
- Russell D. Babb: A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, Russell Babb has been with Tharrington Smith LLP since 2010. Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, his expertise lies in criminal defense. In 2024, Russell Babb was appointed as a managing partner.
- Evan Horwitz: A Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and a Certified Family Financial Mediator, Evan Horwitz has been part of Tharrington Smith since 2008. Recognized by Best Lawyers and North Carolina Super Lawyers, he contributes significantly to the family law section.
Former Managing Partner
- Fred Morelock: With the firm since 2001, Fred Morelock recently stepped down from his managing partner role. He is acknowledged for his performance in family law mediation and arbitration and has been named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyer.
Practice Areas
Tharrington Smith LLP operates in several distinct fields:
- Family Law: Known for a robust team of state and national leaders, including Board Certified attorneys.
- Criminal Defense: Recognized as a premier criminal defense firm in North Carolina, handling high-profile cases.
- Education Law: A key player in addressing the legal needs of K-12 education institutions, with a history of representing public educational bodies.
- Civil Litigation and Criminal Tax Law: Offering litigation and tax defense services.
Community Engagement and Awards
Tharrington Smith places a strong emphasis on community involvement, supporting entities like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Symphony, and the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure. The firm's excellence is further recognized by being named a "2021 Best Law Firm" by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in multiple practice areas.
Contact Information
- Address: Wells Fargo Building, 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1900, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1151, Raleigh, NC 27602
- Phone: (919) 821-4711
- Fax: (919) 829-1583
- Email: info@tharringtonsmith.com
Competitive Landscape
Tharrington Smith LLP's main competitors include both globally renowned firms and regional players:
- Clifford Chance: Part of the Magic Circle, with revenues of £2.04 billion (US$2.79 billion) and extensive global reach with 3760 attorneys, excelling in banking, finance, and corporate law.
- Linklaters: Another Magic Circle firm, with $2.61 billion revenue in 2023, operating in 21 countries, known for financial and corporate law.
- Jones Day: With revenues of $2.5 billion in 2022 and 2,302 attorneys in 40 offices worldwide, Jones Day handles high-profile corporate litigation.
- Arnold & Smith, PLLC: Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, noted for aggressive litigation focus in personal injury, family law, and criminal defense.
- Felhaber Larson: Prominent in Minnesota with a Band 1 rating in Chambers USA for labor and employment law, offering a comprehensive range of legal services.
Financial Information
Tharrington Smith LLP has an estimated annual revenue of $22.7 million, positioning it as a midsize firm within the industry. This financial standing allows the firm to compete effectively with both multinational giants and regional firms by offering specialized services at competitive rates.
Notable Practice Areas
Tharrington Smith excels particularly in:
- Education Law: The largest practice area, commanding a significant share of the education sector by handling complex education-related legal issues.
- Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation: Providing adept litigation services, focusing on favorable client outcomes.
Tharrington Smith LLP competes robustly with both international giants and regional specialists, capitalizing on its expert knowledge in specific legal domains and its strategic North Carolina base. It remains a formidable player within its regional and professional landscape.
