Wade M. Smith, Attorney

For nearly 50 years, Wade M. Smith has been a name synonymous with distinguished legal representation in North Carolina. For residents throughout Raleigh and across the state, facing serious legal challenges, particularly in the realm of criminal defense and complex litigation, the experience and reputation of your attorney can make all the difference. Wade M. Smith, Attorney, is not just a lawyer; he is a legal institution, renowned for his strategic mind, courtroom prowess, and an unparalleled commitment to his clients. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Wade M. Smith's esteemed practice, highlighting his location, extensive services, unique features, and why he stands as a preeminent choice for North Carolinians seeking exceptional legal advocacy.

The legal landscape, especially in high-stakes criminal and civil matters, demands an attorney who possesses not only deep legal knowledge but also the wisdom gained from decades of trial experience. Wade M. Smith embodies this blend, having navigated countless complex cases in both state and federal courts across North Carolina and beyond. His approach, often described as meticulously crafted storytelling, transforms intricate legal arguments into compelling narratives for juries. For individuals and businesses facing crisis during federal and state criminal investigations and trials, his experience in areas such as tax fraud, Medicaid and Medicare Fraud, healthcare fraud, environmental crimes, and financial crimes is invaluable. His dedication to every case, large or small, underscores his belief that all matters concerning people are important to them, and therefore, to him.

Wade M. Smith’s office is located in the vibrant heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, a central and easily accessible hub for clients throughout the state. You will find his office at 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA. This prominent address places him within one of Raleigh’s key business and legal districts, indicating a well-established and professional presence.

The Fayetteville Street location offers excellent accessibility. For those driving, downtown Raleigh provides various parking options in nearby decks and street parking, though it is advisable to account for downtown traffic and parking availability, especially during business hours. The area is also well-served by public transportation. Being situated in downtown Raleigh means the office is in close proximity to the Wake County Courthouse and various federal and state governmental offices, which can be advantageous for clients with ongoing legal matters, providing convenience for court appearances and necessary filings.

Wade M. Smith's legal practice is characterized by its breadth and depth, particularly in high-stakes litigation and criminal defense. His nearly 50 years of experience have equipped him to handle a diverse array of complex legal challenges. Key areas of his expertise include:

• Criminal Defense: This is a cornerstone of his practice, covering both state and federal offenses, felonies, and misdemeanors. He has extensive experience in areas such as DWI/DUI, drug offenses, homicides, assault, larceny & theft offenses, sexual offenses, and traffic offenses. His firm is known for assisting individuals and companies through criminal investigations and trials.

• White-Collar Criminal Defense: Wade M. Smith is particularly recognized for his work in white-collar offenses, including corporate and government investigations. This encompasses complex areas like tax fraud, Medicaid and Medicare Fraud, healthcare fraud, environmental crimes, and financial crimes, offering crucial representation for businesses and business people in crisis.

• Bet-the-Company Litigation: This area of practice indicates his involvement in civil and criminal cases where the outcome could significantly impact the existence or major operations of a business. It highlights his capability in handling critical legal battles with substantial financial or reputational stakes.

• Appeals: He also handles criminal appeals, providing representation for clients seeking to challenge lower court decisions in higher federal and state courts.

• Civil Litigation: His work extends to civil litigation, representing both individuals and businesses in various disputes that proceed to trial.

• Governmental and Regulatory Law: With his extensive experience, he also provides counsel in governmental and regulatory matters.

• Licensing Boards Discipline: Representing clients facing disciplinary actions before professional licensing boards.

Wade M. Smith’s professional life is marked by an extraordinary array of achievements, recognitions, and a distinctive approach to legal practice:

• "The Ultimate Winner": A client review succinctly captures his reputation: "The ultimate winner! I’ve never known him to lose a case." While specific legal outcomes can never be guaranteed, this testimonial reflects a widespread perception of his formidable courtroom abilities and high success rate.

• Decades of Acclaimed Experience: With nearly 50 years in practice, Wade M. Smith is one of North Carolina’s most seasoned and respected lawyers. His trials are often recounted in books, magazines, and journals, showcasing his significant impact on legal precedent and practice.

• Nationally Recognized: He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and the International Society of Barristers—prestigious associations that recognize excellence in trial work. He has been continuously listed in Best Lawyers in America since its inception (since 1983) and has received "Lawyer of the Year" honors multiple times for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar in Raleigh.

• "North Carolina's Number One Criminal Lawyer": In 2004, Business North Carolina Magazine named him the state's number one criminal lawyer, based on a vote by his fellow lawyers. He is a member of Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" Hall of Fame.

• Renowned Storyteller: Wade M. Smith is celebrated for his ability to find and tell the compelling story within each case. This storytelling approach is a unique aspect of his advocacy, helping juries understand complex facts and empathize with his clients.

• Legacy and Professionalism: The North Carolina Bar Association established the annual "Wade M. Smith Award" in 2008 for a "Criminal Defense Attorney Who Exemplifies the Highest Ideals of the Profession." He has also received the Judge John J. Parker Memorial Award (the state’s highest legal honor), the H. Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award, and the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism Award, among many others.

• High-Profile Case Experience: His career includes serving as counsel in landmark cases such as the Dr. Jeffrey McDonald "Green Beret Murder case" and being lead counsel for Collin Finnerty in the Duke Lacrosse Case, demonstrating his capability in handling highly scrutinized and complex legal battles.

Given Wade M. Smith's extensive experience, prestigious accolades, and a career spanning nearly five decades at a prominent firm, his practice generally does not feature consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers." Legal representation of his caliber, particularly in complex criminal defense and high-stakes litigation, is typically retained based on professional fees.

However, for North Carolina residents and businesses facing serious legal challenges, the initial step often involves a confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of their case. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact his office directly to inquire about their intake process, how initial consultations are structured, and the firm’s approach to legal fees. Transparency in legal billing is a key aspect of professional client relationships, and the firm will provide clear information regarding their fee arrangements.

For North Carolina residents, businesses, or individuals facing significant legal challenges who are seeking the esteemed counsel of Wade M. Smith, Attorney, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

• Phone: (919) 821-4711

• Mobile Phone: +1 919-821-4711

When making contact, it is advisable to be prepared to briefly outline the nature of your legal matter to help the team direct your inquiry effectively and arrange a suitable consultation.

For North Carolinians confronting the most formidable legal challenges, particularly in criminal defense and complex litigation, Wade M. Smith stands as an exceptional and highly suitable choice. His nearly 50-year career is a testament to sustained excellence, marked by a profound understanding of state and federal law, a strategic approach to trials, and a dedication to his clients that has earned him a legendary status. The single, powerful review – "The ultimate winner! I’ve never known him to lose a case" – while an expression of deep client satisfaction, reflects the widespread confidence in his abilities to navigate difficult legal waters successfully.

Choosing Wade M. Smith means engaging an attorney who is not only deeply familiar with North Carolina's legal system, courts, and legal community but also one who has actively shaped it. His numerous awards, including being named North Carolina's number one criminal lawyer by his peers and the establishment of an award in his name by the NC Bar Association, underscore a professional reputation that few attorneys achieve. For Raleigh residents and those across the state, this local legend offers a unique blend of historical experience, current legal acumen, and a personalized approach to every case. When the stakes are high, and experience, strategic thinking, and a powerful courtroom presence are paramount, Wade M. Smith provides the caliber of representation that North Carolinians can confidently rely on. His commitment that "all cases which concern people are important to them, and therefore to him" ensures that every client receives the dedicated attention they deserve.