How much does it cost to hire Wade for a appellate case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Wade walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Wade offer a free consultation?

Wade charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Wade's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Wade's current terms during booking.

How long do appellate cases in North Carolina typically take?

Simple appellate 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. Wade gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Wade take my case if I'm outside Raleigh?

Wade is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Wade 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 Wade?

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. Wade will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Wade accepting new appellate clients right now?

Wade's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Wade M. Smith, Appellate Attorney in Raleigh

Quick answer

Wade M. Smith is a partner based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. Wade has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tharrington Smith, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Raleigh, NC
Experience: over 63 years
Known for: Appellate · Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes

Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes matters from Raleigh, NC.
Over 63 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Wade M. Smith

Wade concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, and dv defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Wade handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Raleigh, North Carolina

Wade takes appellate matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Wade agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Raleigh, North Carolina

Wade takes criminal defense matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Wade agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Raleigh, North Carolina

Wade takes drug crimes matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Wade agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Raleigh, North Carolina

Wade takes dui/dwi matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Wade agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Raleigh, North Carolina

Wade takes dv defense matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Wade agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Wade M. Smith — Over 63 years of North Carolina appellate experience

Wade M. Smith is a partner based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. Wade has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tharrington Smith, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Wade M. Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal law and business crimes defense, litigation, governmental and regulatory law and 17 other areas of law. Wade received a A.B. degree from University of North Carolina in 1960, and has been licensed for 63 years. Wade practices at Tharrington Smith, LLP in Raleigh, NC.

Wade's approach to appellate cases

Mr. Wade M. Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal law and business crimes defense, litigation, governmental and regulatory law and 17 other areas of law. Wade received a A.B. degree from University of North Carolina in 1960, and has been licensed for 63 years. Wade practices at Tharrington Smith, LLP in Raleigh, NC.

Clients Wade works with

Wade reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and drug crimes matters in Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area.

Credentials

Wade M. Smith's legal education and bar admissions

University of North Carolina
J.D. · 1963
University of North Carolina
A.B. · 1960

Jurisdictions

Wade's state bar admissions

North Carolina U.S.
1963 · ACTIVE

Wade studied at J.D. in University of North Carolina and A.B. in University of North Carolina.

Law school and academic background

Wade completed J.D. in University of North Carolina and A.B. in University of North Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Wade runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Wade M. Smith

Wade has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Wade M. Smith's office in Raleigh

Wade's primary office is at 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1900, Raleigh, NC, 27601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Tharrington Smith, LLP

150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1900

Raleigh, NC 27601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Wade M. Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Wade. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Raleigh.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Wade M. Smith claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Wade M. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Wade usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Wade charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Wade'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; Wade will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Wade

Wade discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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. Wade confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Wade's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Wade M. Smith

How much does it cost to hire Wade for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Wade walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Wade offer a free consultation?
Wade charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Wade's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Wade's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Wade gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Wade take my case if I'm outside Raleigh?
Wade is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Wade 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 Wade?
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. Wade will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Wade accepting new appellate clients right now?
Wade's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by North Carolina residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Wade M. Smith. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Raleigh, Charlotte and Durham in North Carolina

Wade handles appellate matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

Wade M. Smith, Appellate Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina

Quick answer

Practice areas handled by Wade M. Smith

Appellate cases in Raleigh, North Carolina

Criminal Defense cases in Raleigh, North Carolina