Stephanie C. Smith, Business Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Trusts
Virginia Beach, VA
Practicing business in Virginia Beach since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Stephanie C. Smith?
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Quick answer
Stephanie C. Smith is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Business and Trusts. Stephanie has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Midgett Preti Olansen PC.
- Based in
- Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Business · Trusts
- Handles Business and Trusts matters from Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026).
About Stephanie C. Smith: Stephanie C. Smith is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Business and Trusts. Stephanie has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Midgett Preti Olansen PC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Stephanie C. Smith
Stephanie concentrates on business and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephanie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Stephanie takes business matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephanie agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Stephanie takes trusts matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephanie agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Stephanie C. Smith — Over 33 years of Virginia business experience
Stephanie C. Smith is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Business and Trusts. Stephanie has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Midgett Preti Olansen PC.
Stephanie C. Smith is a Shareholder in the law firm of Midgett Preti Olansen. Her practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business matters. Additionally, Ms. Smith serves as a Commissioner of Accounts for Virginia Beach Circuit Court. In her role as Commissioner of Accounts, Ms. Smith supervises fiduciaries and audits accountings and other filings by administrators and executors of estates, trustees of trusts, guardians and conservators for minor children or incapacitated adults, and foreclosure trustees.
Ms. Smith has been named as one of the Top Women in the Law in the category of Corporate Governance Law. She has also been named to the Virginia Super Lawyers magazine “Super Lawyers” list, limited to no more than 5% of Virginia attorneys, in the category of Business/Corporate each year, and included as a “Best Lawyer” in the Best Lawyers in America publication, numerous times. Ms. Smith has further been recognized as a Top Lawyer in Coastal Virginia magazine for several years.
Ms. Smith’s previous law firm, Stephanie C. Smith, PC, was also included in the Best Lawyers in America publication as one of the Best Law Firms. She has been named by Super Lawyers magazine as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia, Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia, Top 25 Women Attorneys in Virginia, and as a Rising Star. Additionally, the Virginia Beach Legal Staff Association chose Ms. Smith as Boss of the Year. Ms. Smith has held an AV preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating given by the preeminent directory of legal professionals, for a decade.
Stephanie's approach to business cases
Stephanie C. Smith is a Shareholder in the law firm of Midgett Preti Olansen. Her practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business matters. Additionally, Ms. Smith serves as a Commissioner of Accounts for Virginia Beach Circuit Court. In her role as Commissioner of Accounts, Ms. Smith supervises fiduciaries and audits accountings and other filings by…
Clients Stephanie works with
Stephanie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and trusts matters in Virginia Beach and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Stephanie C. Smith's legal education and bar admissions
University of California - Los Angeles
J.D. · 1993
University of Virginia
B.A. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Stephanie's state bar admissions
Virginia
1993 · ACTIVE
Stephanie studied at J.D. in University of California - Los Angeles and B.A. in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Stephanie completed J.D. in University of California - Los Angeles and B.A. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephanie runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephanie C. Smith
Stephanie has received 17 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Elder Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent ™ Peer Review Rating by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Accredited Estate Planner, National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Stephanie C. Smith, PC, included in The Best Lawyers in America, as a Best Law Firm
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Top Lawyers”, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Virginia Beach Legal Staff Association Boss of the Year
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Women in Law, Virginia, Corporate Governance Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
Locations
Stephanie C. Smith's office in Virginia Beach
Stephanie's primary office is at 2901 South Lynnhaven Road, Suite 120, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23452. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Midgett Preti Olansen PC
2901 South Lynnhaven Road, Suite 120
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
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Client reviews of Stephanie C. Smith
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Stephanie C. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephanie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephanie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephanie's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephanie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephanie
Stephanie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephanie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephanie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephanie C. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Stephanie for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephanie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephanie offer a free consultation?
Stephanie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephanie's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephanie's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephanie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephanie take my case if I'm outside Virginia Beach?
Stephanie is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephanie will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephanie?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephanie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephanie accepting new business clients right now?
Stephanie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Virginia Beach, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Stephanie handles business matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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