Atty. Philip J. Smith

Atty. Philip J. Smith

Phillip Smith is a principal with The Van Winkle Law Firm, where he practices in the areas of healthcare, construction, professional malpractice defense, products liability, banking and commercial law. Since joining the firm in 1972, he has supported the business operations of professionals in accounting, architecture, dentistry, engineering and law.

Asheville Asheville 54 yrs experience 54 year
Call (828) 258-2991 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Philip J. Smith at a glance

Philip J. Smith is an Of Counsel based in Asheville, North Carolina. They have 54+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1972. Their practice focuses on business, litigation, government, and health care. Admitted to practice in North Carolina (1972). Educated at Temple University (J.D., 1972) and Wake Forest University (B.A., 1968). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Asheville, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Phillip Smith is a principal with The Van Winkle Law Firm, where he practices in the areas of healthcare, construction, professional malpractice defense, products liability, banking and commercial law
  • Since joining the firm in 1972, he has supported the business operations of professionals in accounting, architecture, dentistry, engineering and law
  • He successfully defended physicians and their practices against multi-million dollar claims of negligence and defended a hospital in a similarly large claim asserting deprivation of due process, freedom of speech, breach of contract, slander and contract interference
  • Practice Highlights • Successfully defended local hospital in U.S
  • District Court in a multi-million dollar claim commenced by a surgeon as a result of his medical privileges being summarily suspended at the recommendation of the hospital’s medical staff
  • The action asserted claims for deprivation of due process, freedom of speech, breach of contract, slander and contract interference
  • Case is on appeal to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. • Unwinding of two major medical practices and successful negotiation of terms without litigation or alternative dispute resolution and no interruption of practice business. • Jury verdict in favor of surgeon who bypassed the wrong coronary artery alleged to have been the result of negligence causing the plaintiff to sustain a subsequent myocardial infarction. • Successful defense of multiple physicians and an academic medical center in a $24 million impaired baby case
  • Awards and Honors • AV Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell • Best Lawyers in America • Business North Carolina Legal Elite • North Carolina Super Lawyers Community Involvement • Asheville City Schools Foundation • Asheville Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Roundtable • Asheville-Buncombe Christian Ministries Board of Directors, Former President • Central United Methodist Church Board of Trustees, Former Chairperson • Pisgah Legal Services, Former President • United Way • Wake Forest University Alumni Council • YMCA Board of Directors Professional Affiliations • 28th Judicial District Bar, Past President • American Health Lawyers Association • Buncombe County Bar Association, Past President • Defense Research Institute • Harry C. Martin American Inns of Court • North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys • North Carolina Bar Association • North Carolina State Bar

Practice Areas Explained

Philip J. Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Philip J. Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Philip J. Smith is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in North Carolina →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Philip J. Smith is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in North Carolina →

Government & Administrative Law

Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.

Philip J. Smith is one of 132,225 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in North Carolina →

Health Care Law

Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.

Philip J. Smith is one of 66,735 health care attorneys indexed nationally. Browse health care attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

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 Asheville 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 andnue, 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.

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

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Philip J. Smith

Where is Philip J. Smith's law office located?
Philip J. Smith's law practice is located in Asheville, North Carolina. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Philip J. Smith handle?
Philip J. Smith focuses on business, litigation, government, health care. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
How long has Philip J. Smith practiced law?
Philip J. Smith has 54+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1972.
Where did Philip J. Smith go to law school?
Philip J. Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1972); (B.A., 1968).
How can I contact Philip J. Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Philip J. Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Philip J. Smith received?
Philip J. Smith's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Temple University
- 1972
B.A.
Wake Forest University
- 1968

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

North Carolina
Admitted: 1972

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