Atty. Douglas E. Kingsbery
Upon graduation from law school in 1980, Doug Kingsbery joined the firm of Tharrington, Smith & Hargrove in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked as an associate in the areas of education law and criminal defense. He was made Partner in 1985, and has developed an extensive litigation and trial practice which includes trial and appellate work in civil, criminal and administrative law.
'Bet The Company' Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Raleigh, NC
Profile Summary
About Douglas E. Kingsbery at a Glance
Douglas E. Kingsbery is a criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, practicing at Tharrington Smith LLP. Admitted to practice in North Carolina, North Carolina State Bar and North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association. Educated at Duke University (J.D., 1980) and Duke University (—, 1977). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serves clients in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Douglas E. Kingsbery
- Upon graduation from law school in 1980, Doug Kingsbery joined the firm of Tharrington, Smith & Hargrove in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked as an associate in the areas of education law and criminal defense
- He was made Partner in 1985, and has developed an extensive litigation and trial practice which includes trial and appellate work in civil, criminal and administrative law
- Over the past 28 years, he has tried dozens of civil and criminal jury trials in numerous state and federal courts across North Carolina and he has received an AV rating from his peers as reported in Martindale-Hubbell
- As a criminal law practitioner, Doug Kingsbery has tried and won jury trials in the federal district courts of North Carolina, as well as in several counties across the State
- Mr. Kingsbery was certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Specialist in both federal and state criminal law, 1991-2002
- In 1997, the North Carolina State Bar appointed him Chairman of the Criminal Law Specialty Committee
- He and his committee rewrote North Carolina's written examination for certification as a specialist in federal and state criminal law
- He has also served the State of North Carolina through the acceptance of several appointments to defend indigent persons charged with capital murder
- For his work in criminal law, Mr. Kingsbery is listed in Best Lawyers in America, and has been named one of North Carolina's "Super Lawyers" by Law and Politics and Charlotte Magazine
- As a civil practitioner, Doug Kingsbery has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in the federal and state courts of North Carolina, and has won civil jury trials in both forums
- His civil trial practice includes complex commercial litigation as well as serious personal injury and wrongful death He also represents taxpayers in civil tax disputes, and has been admitted to the United States Tax Court and the Federal Court of Claims
- For his work in civil litigation, his peers have voted him one of Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" in the field of Litigation
- Mr. Kingsbery is also listed in Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation and for "Bet the Company" Litigation
- As an administrative law practitioner, Mr. Kingsbery has represented attorneys before the North Carolina State Bar as well as other professionals before numerous North Carolina State licensing boards
- He has also represented numerous taxpayers in both civil and criminal cases before the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Justice and the North Carolina Department of Revenue
- As an appellate practitioner, Mr. Kingsbery has argued and won cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the North Carolina Supreme Court, the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the Florida Supreme Court
- His practice in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals includes both civil and criminal cases, and he has won several reversals in criminal cases before that court
- The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has recently appointed him to its CJA appellate panel, which is comprised of only experienced practitioners before that Court
Practice Areas Explained
Douglas E. Kingsbery's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Douglas E. Kingsbery handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Raleigh.
Criminal Defense in Raleigh
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Douglas E. Kingsbery is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina →
Business & Corporate Law in Raleigh
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Douglas E. Kingsbery is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in North Carolina →
White Collar Crimes in Raleigh
Douglas E. Kingsbery is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in North Carolina →
Civil Litigation in Raleigh
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Douglas E. Kingsbery is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in North Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Raleigh
Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Raleigh are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Raleigh Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Raleigh-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Raleigh or all attorneys in North Carolina.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Raleigh Choose Douglas E. Kingsbery
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Douglas E. Kingsbery's practice in the field of criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in North Carolina, North Carolina State Bar and North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association, Douglas E. Kingsbery can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense, business, and white collar, Douglas E. Kingsbery can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Raleigh
A Raleigh-based practice means Douglas E. Kingsbery attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Douglas E. Kingsbery Handles in Raleigh
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Douglas E. Kingsbery has experience with under North Carolina law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Douglas E. Kingsbery directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Douglas E. Kingsbery Online
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Douglas E. Kingsbery's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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