Harkey Recognized by 2026 Best Lawyers® Publication
Harkey Litigation is pleased to announce that W. Scott Harkey, has been selected for recognition by Best Lawyers® in 2026 for Criminal Defense.
The recognition reflects Harkey’s track record representing individuals facing serious criminal charges in both state and federal courts throughout North Carolina. His practice includes complex felony matters, federal criminal defense, white-collar investigations and prosecutions, and other high-stakes cases in which a client’s liberty, livelihood, and reputation are at risk.
Best Lawyers is one of the legal profession’s longstanding peer-review publications. Recognition is based on evaluations submitted by other attorneys regarding the professional abilities of their peers within the same geographic and practice areas. Because lawyers generally cannot pay to be included in Best Lawyers, selection is intended to reflect the assessment of fellow members of the legal profession.
“This recognition is a meaningful one. It comes from other lawyers who understand the demands and responsibilities of criminal defense,” Harkey said. “Our clients often come to us at one of the most difficult moments of their lives. They deserve an attorney who will prepare the case thoroughly, challenge the government’s evidence, and fight for them at every stage of the process. It is an honor to be recognized for this work by my peers.”
Harkey is the managing partner of Harkey Law Firm, PLLC, where he focuses a substantial portion of his practice on criminal litigation. He is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in State Criminal Law, a distinction held by only a limited number of attorneys practicing criminal law in North Carolina. He was originally certified in 2018 and recertified in 2024. His practice encompasses matters ranging from investigations and pre-charge representation to jury trials, sentencing proceedings, and post-conviction litigation.
The 2026 Best Lawyers recognition adds to Harkey’s professional honors, which also include recognition by Super Lawyers in Criminal Defense: White Collar and Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite.
For Harkey, however, the significance of the recognition ultimately returns to the work performed for clients.
“Criminal defense requires preparation, judgment, and a willingness to stand beside a client when the stakes are at their highest,” Harkey said. “I am grateful to my peers for this recognition, but even more grateful for the trust our clients place in our firm every day.”
About Harkey Litigation: Harkey Law Firm, PLLC is a Winston-Salem, North Carolina litigation firm representing clients in state and federal criminal matters. The firm represents individuals, professionals, and businesses in matters ranging from criminal investigations and serious felony charges to federal prosecutions and white-collar cases.
