
Kristen Rigsby Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Asheville, North Carolina
Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatThe Van Winkle Law Firm
Asheville, NC
Practicing bankruptcy in Asheville since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Kristen Rigsby Smith?
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Quick answer
Kristen Rigsby Smith is a principal based in Asheville, NC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Kristen has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Van Winkle Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Asheville, NC
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Asheville, NC.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Kristen Rigsby Smith: Kristen Rigsby Smith is a principal based in Asheville, NC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Kristen has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Van Winkle Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Kristen's practice areas in Asheville
Kristen concentrates on bankruptcy, business, civil rights, commercial re, and creditor rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kristen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Civil Rights
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Commercial RE
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Creditor Rights
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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Asheville, North Carolina
Kristen takes bankruptcy matters in Asheville, 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 Kristen agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Asheville, North Carolina
Kristen takes business matters in Asheville, 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 Kristen agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Asheville, North Carolina
Kristen takes civil rights matters in Asheville, 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 Kristen agrees to represent you.
Commercial RE cases in Asheville, North Carolina
Kristen takes commercial re matters in Asheville, 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 Kristen agrees to represent you.
Creditor Rights cases in Asheville, North Carolina
Kristen takes creditor rights matters in Asheville, 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 Kristen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Kristen Rigsby Smith, bankruptcy attorney serving Asheville
Kristen Rigsby Smith is a principal based in Asheville, NC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Kristen has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Van Winkle Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Kristen works from Asheville, North Carolina and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Kristen Smith is a member of the Van Winkle Law Firm’s Business practice group. Her primary areas of practice include creditor’s rights, commercial lending, and commercial real estate transactions. She maintains a statewide creditor’s rights practice which focuses on representing and counseling financial institutions and investors in a broad range of transactions, including, foreclosures, collections, reformations, title issues, loan workouts, modifications, fraudulent transfers, partitions, bankruptcy, lender liability, and general civil litigation matters. In addition, she represents taxing authorities in a variety of matters, including collections and foreclosures.
Kristen’s commercial lending and commercial real estate practice includes representation of borrowers and lenders in loan transactions of all sizes. She is often lender’s counsel and provides services which include preparing loan documents, reviewing title work, and ensuring that the lender is protected in all aspects of a closing. She represents borrowers and lenders in different types of commercial real estate transactions for retail spaces, new construction, vacant land, SBA loans, multi-family developments, hotels, leases, billboards, and doctor’s offices. Kristen also represents landlords and tenants in lease negotiations, amendments, renewals, and disputes.
Awards & Honors
• The Biltmore Beacon's “40 Under Forty” Class of 2018
Community Involvement
• Locks of Love, Repeat Donor
• South College, Member of the Legal Studies Advisory Committee
Professional Affiliations
• 28th Judicial District Bar
• North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys
• North Carolina Bar Association
• North Carolina State Bar
Working with Kristen on a bankruptcy matter
Kristen Smith is a member of the Van Winkle Law Firm’s Business practice group. Her primary areas of practice include creditor’s rights, commercial lending, and commercial real estate transactions. She maintains a statewide creditor’s rights practice which focuses on representing and counseling financial institutions and investors in a broad range of transactions, including, foreclosures,…
Clients Kristen works with
Kristen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and civil rights matters in Asheville and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Kristen studied and practices
University of Memphis
J.D. · 2004
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.S. Business · 2001
Jurisdictions
Kristen's state bar admissions
North Carolina Unite
2007 · ACTIVE
Kristen studied at J.D. in University of Memphis and B.S. Business in University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Law school and academic background
Kristen completed J.D. in University of Memphis and B.S. Business in University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kristen runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Kristen's legal honors and published work
Kristen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Kristen Rigsby Smith's office in Asheville
Kristen's primary office is at 11 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kristen Rigsby Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kristen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Asheville.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kristen Rigsby Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kristen Rigsby Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kristen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kristen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kristen'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; Kristen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Asheville, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Kristen
Kristen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Kristen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kristen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kristen Rigsby Smith
How much does it cost to hire Kristen for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kristen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kristen offer a free consultation?
Kristen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kristen's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Kristen's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Kristen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kristen take my case if I'm outside Asheville?
Kristen 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 — Kristen 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 Kristen?
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. Kristen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kristen accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Kristen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Asheville, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
Kristen handles bankruptcy matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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