Stephanie C. Smith

Stephanie C. Smith is a Shareholder at Midgett Preti Olansen, where she advises clients on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and complex business matters. In addition to her private practice, she serves as Commissioner of Accounts for Virginia Beach Circuit Court, overseeing fiduciaries and auditing estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and foreclosure accountings.

Stephanie earned her B.A. from the University of Virginia before pursuing her J.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her education prepared her for a distinguished legal career, balancing both litigation and advisory roles. Ms. Smith is admitted to practice before the Virginia State Bar, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia.

Over the course of her career, Stephanie has received numerous honors, including recognition in Best Lawyers in America, Virginia Super Lawyers, and Virginia Business Legal Elite. She has consistently been named among Virginia’s top lawyers in categories such as taxes, estates, trusts, and corporate governance. She holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and the Accredited Estate Planner® designation.

Her prior firm, Stephanie C. Smith, PC, was also ranked among the Best Law Firms in America. Beyond her professional achievements, she has held leadership positions with the Virginia Conference of Commissioners of Accounts, Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council, and Virginia Beach Bar Association. She has also contributed to community initiatives through mentorship programs, nonprofit board service, and advisory roles for local institutions.

Today, at Midgett Preti Olansen, Stephanie C. Smith continues to help individuals and families protect their assets, fulfill fiduciary obligations, and secure long-term legacies. Her expertise, paired with decades of recognition, has established her as a trusted authority in estate, trust, and business law throughout Virginia.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Midgett Preti Olansen PC
• President, Virginia Conference of Commissioners of Accounts, Board of Directors
• Member, Virginia Supreme Court Standing Committee on Commissioners of Accounts
• Member, Virginia Beach Bar Association
• Member, Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council
• Member, National Association of Estate Planners & Councils

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• University of California at Los Angeles
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges