About Ashley
Biography
Ashley R. Smith was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She grew up in Asheville and Statesville. Ms. Smith graduated cum laude from Appalachian State University with a degree in Political Science in 2008. Ms. Smith received her JD from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University.
Prior Work Experience:
In 2011, Ms. Smith started a practice in Raleigh, North Carolina where she quickly developed a repuation as a tenacious litigator who fought for her clients. In August of 2012 based upon her reputation and success in Raleigh, the Speaks Law Firm recruited Ms. Smith to head their family law division in Wilmington. Ms. Smith dedicates her practice to Family Law issues.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
15 years
3 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 14 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Coastal South Law
414 Chestnut Street, Suite 303, Wilmington, NC, 28401
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Ashley Renee Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 61 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Hubert | December 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
An outstanding a n d professional attorney.
Attorney Smith was A1 top of her game. I couldn't imagine her or anyone doing a better job . If I ever needed her again I would definitely use her. She always kept me informed. Sh was a godsend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart attorney Smith
Posted by Ashley | November 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
Ashley was professional, understanding, and truly cared about my case. She always listened, explained everything clearly, and was focused on getting the best possible outcome for me and my children. Highly recommend her!
Posted by Martie | November 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Great divorce attorney
Ashley was spot on, explained everything to me in lay terms. She was always available for my many questions. She definitely had my best interest at heart and in the end was successful at acquiring just what I wanted/needed for my future. Give her a try, she will not disappoint!
Posted by Diane | August 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
If you want an attorney who will fight tooth and nail for you, hire Ashley!
I hired Ashley to represent me after several consultations with other Family Law attorneys. She understood my concerns and what my end goal was. She will listen to you and tell you what to realistically expect. Did I always like hearing it, of course not but she tells you the truth and will not ju...
Posted by Jackson | September 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
About as professional as the YMCA Req league
She'll push everything to court in an attempt to collect more fees, she seems extremely Jr. in her approach and ability to work towards the best resolution for her clients.
Ashley Renee Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ashley is smart and extremely driven. She truly cares for her clients and it shows through her work."
"Ashley is a great lawyer and friend. I always refer family law cases to her and know they will turn out well. Thank you Ashley."
"I am impressed with Ms. Smith's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. She has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!"
"I routinely refer Ashley clients outside of my practice area. All of these clients have reported back that they find her to be knowledgeable, hardworking, and responsive. I know that when I refer clients to Ashley, they will be in good hands."
"Ashley is a fantastic advocate for her clients. She is smart and tenacious. I do not hesitate to recommend Ashley for her work in Criminal Defense to any who need such services."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ashley is very knowledgeable about family law and trial procedures. The judges in New Hanover County respect her abilities and integrity. Her clients tell me she is very sensitive to their unique situations. Ashley is a winner who gets great results for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ashley is a fighter for her clients. When you need help in a tough situation like divorce, she is thorough and well prepared--doesn't back down from a challenge. Also compassionate for the stress her clients are under at this point of their lives. I say use her, she is good at what she does."
"Ashley really knows her law. She also takes the time to thoroughly learn about the client's situation so as to give the client his or her best options."
"I highly recommend Ashley. She is a talented lawyer who is both knowledgeable and hard working. Most importantly, Ashley cares about her clients."
"I've worked closely with Mr. Smith in New Hanover County. She possesses the knowledge, drive, and personal skills to deal with any issue you or your family are facing. I endorse her without reserve."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had the great pleasure of seeing Ms. Smith in the Wake County Courthouse representing her clients. She was always well prepared, professional, and provided great advocacy. It is a shame that she left Wake County."
"Ashley is extremely professional and reasonable, which allows her to achieve great outcomes for her clients."
"As an attorney, if I ever find myself in need of representation in a family law matter, Ashley Smith is the first person that I would want by my side in the courtroom. In the time that I've had the pleasure of working with her, I've observed Ashley to be an effective and thorough advocate for her clients, and a careful legal practitioner. One of the many qualities that I admire about Ashley is her ability to aggressively pursue her clients' interests without sacrificing her reputation for professionalism. Together, these two traits allow Ashley to achieve favorable results in court and through settlement negotiations. As a result, Ashley has quickly established herself as one of the finest family law attorneys in the Wilmington area, and I’m proud to endorse her practice."
"I endorse Ashley without hesitation. Ashley and her firm are known for aggressive representation and the highest levels of ethicals standards. Clients I have referred to Ashley and her firm are always very pleased with her performance and that of her staff. Our firm has and will continue to view her office as a safe referral of our clients."
"I had the privilege of attending law school with Ashley. Ashley is an outstanding attorney that will work hard for her clients. I highly recommend Ashley to anyone in need of legal representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ashley and I attended law school together and I can say without reservation that she is an extremely hard working and dedicated attorney. I would recommend her legal services to anyone in the greater Wilmington area in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ashley is a brilliant, talented and dedicated trial lawyer. Her attention to details, committment to clients, reputation for professionalism and drive to win make her one of the best and brightest trial lawyers in North Carolina."
"Ashley possess an unprecedented level of professionalism. She has shown the willingness to go above and beyond to obtain the best possible results for her clients. She is an exceptional advocate who utilizes her legal knowledge to its fullest extent and is not afraid to take on any challenge that comes her way. Ashley is an absolute pleasure to work with and adds a tremendous amount of value to every case."
"Having studied law with Ashley, I can safely say that her work as a law student evidences a knowledgeable and zealous advocate for her clients in all respects."
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Experience
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Attorney, Coastal South Law
2012 - 2022
Attorney, Speaks Law Firm
2011 - 2012
Attorney, Ashley Smith, Attorney at Law
2010 - 2011
Legal Intern, Devon A. Glick, Attorney at Law
2010 - 2010
Legislative Aide, Moore & Van Allen
2007 - 2008
Legal Intern, Law Office of Robert T. Speed
Associations
2015 - Present
North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys
2015 - Present
American Association of Notaries
2015 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationTop 40 under 40
2014 - Present
US District Court, Eastern District of NCAdmitted to Practice
2012 - Present
New Hanover County Bar Association
2011 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
2011 - 2012
Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers
2011 - 2012
Wake County Bar Association
Education
2011
JD - Juris Doctor
2008
BS - Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers