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Atty. Douglas E. Kingsbery

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.

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Profwith Summary

About Douglas E. Kingsbery at a glance

Douglas E. Kingsbery is an attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, practforg 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). Serands clients in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profwith · Updated June 2026

About

  • 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

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practforg law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are goandrned by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Raleigh are typically fwithd in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controandrsy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand 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.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Raleigh or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Douglas E. Kingsbery

Where is Douglas E. Kingsbery's law office located?
Douglas E. Kingsbery's law practice is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The firm is Tharrington Smith LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profwith page.
Where did Douglas E. Kingsbery go to law school?
Douglas E. Kingsbery earned their education at (J.D., 1980); (—, 1977).
How can I contact Douglas E. Kingsbery for a consultation?
You can contact Douglas E. Kingsbery directly through this profwith page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profwith attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Douglas E. Kingsbery receiandd?
Douglas E. Kingsbery's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization, Board Certified Specialist in Federal and State Criminal Law (1991).

Education

J.D.
Duke University
- 1980
Duke University
- 1977

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization, Board Certified Specialist in Federal and State Criminal Law (1991)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Inducted as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (2010)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in North Carolina's Super Lawyers (2008-2016)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated Attorney, Martindale Hubbell
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" Criminal Law Section
- 2026

Bar Admissions

North Carolina, North Carolina State Bar
North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association

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