
Kirby H. Smith III, Appellate Attorney in New Bern, North Carolina
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatTommy Kellis Attorney at Law
New Bern, NC
Practicing appellate in New Bern since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Kirby H. Smith III?
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Quick answer
Kirby H. Smith III is an attorney based in New Bern, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Kirby has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tommy Kellis Attorney at Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New Bern, NC
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Criminal Defense · Estate Planning
- Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning matters from New Bern, NC.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Kirby H. Smith III: Kirby H. Smith III is an attorney based in New Bern, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Kirby has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tommy Kellis Attorney at Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kirby takes on
Kirby concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, estate planning, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kirby handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Criminal Defense
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Estate Planning
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in New Bern, North Carolina
Kirby takes appellate matters in New Bern, 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 Kirby agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in New Bern, North Carolina
Kirby takes criminal defense matters in New Bern, 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 Kirby agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in New Bern, North Carolina
Kirby takes estate planning matters in New Bern, 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 Kirby agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in New Bern, North Carolina
Kirby takes litigation matters in New Bern, 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 Kirby agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kirby H. Smith III — appellate lawyer in New Bern
Kirby H. Smith III is an attorney based in New Bern, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Kirby has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tommy Kellis Attorney at Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Kirby H. Smith III is a lawyer practicing criminal law, civil litigation, appellate practice and 2 other areas of law. Kirby received a B.S. degree from University of North Carolina in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Kirby practices at Tommy Kellis Attorney at Law in New Bern, NC and 1 other location.
Kirby's approach to appellate cases
Mr. Kirby H. Smith III is a lawyer practicing criminal law, civil litigation, appellate practice and 2 other areas of law. Kirby received a B.S. degree from University of North Carolina in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Kirby practices at Tommy Kellis Attorney at Law in New Bern, NC and 1 other location.
Clients Kirby works with
Kirby reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and estate planning matters in New Bern and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Wake Forest University
J.D. · 1992
University of North Carolina
B.S. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Kirby's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2000 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
North Carolina
1992 · ACTIVE
Kirby studied at J.D. in Wake Forest University and B.S. in University of North Carolina.
Law school and academic background
Kirby completed J.D. in Wake Forest University and B.S. in University of North Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kirby runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Kirby has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Kirby's professional memberships and bar associations
Craven County and North Carolina Bar Associations North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers
membership
Locations
Kirby H. Smith III's office in New Bern
Kirby's primary office is at 1723 S. Glenburnie Road, New Bern, NC, 28562. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kirby H. Smith III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kirby. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in New Bern.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kirby H. Smith III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kirby H. Smith III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kirby usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kirby charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kirby'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; Kirby will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in New Bern, 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 Kirby
Kirby 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. Kirby confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kirby'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 Kirby H. Smith III
How much does it cost to hire Kirby for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kirby walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kirby offer a free consultation?
Kirby charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kirby's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Kirby'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. Kirby gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kirby take my case if I'm outside New Bern?
Kirby 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 — Kirby 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 Kirby?
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. Kirby will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kirby accepting new appellate clients right now?
Kirby's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving New Bern, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
Kirby handles appellate matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in North Carolina
If Kirby's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in New Bern handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Sarah P. Wenzel
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Thomas J. Gorman
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Cecil S. Harvell
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