Esther Manheimer is a principal with The Van Winkle Law Firm. Since joining the firm in 2002, she has focused her practice on commercial litigation, land use, and land disputes stemming from encroachments, easements, boundary lines, erosion, and title matters. In addition, she provides skilled legal counsel to help homeowners’ and property owners’ association boards enforce restrictions, manage assessments, handle infrastructure issues, and draft and redraft covenants and by-laws.

Previously, Manheimer was a lawyer for the North Carolina General Assembly, where she served as counsel to various legislative committees. She also served on special legislative committees concerned with utility deregulation and legislative redistricting.

Practice Areas

Awards & Honors

  • The Best Lawyers in America® – Lawyer of the Year (Asheville);
    • Litigation – Land Use and Zoning – 2020
    • Litigation – Real Estate – 2022
  • Lawyer of the Year, Asheville Area – The Best Lawyers in America® 2020 – Litigation – Land Use and Zoning
  • 2015, General Federation of Women’s Clubs of NC, 14th Annual “Women of Achievement Award”
  • 2014, NC Lawyers Weekly, “Leaders in the Law” recipient
  • 2012, Pisgah Legal Services, “Most Valuable Mountain Area Volunteer Lawyer”
  • 2009, YWCA of Asheville, “Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) Awards” honoree
  • 2007, North Carolina Bar Association, “William Thorp Pro Bono Service Award” nominee
  • The Best Lawyers In America 2025

Education

  • University of North Carolina, Juris Doctor, 1998; Master’s Degree in Public Administration, 1997
  • University of Colorado, Bachelor’s Degree, 1993

Professional Affiliations

  • Buncombe County Bar
  • Harry C. Martin American Inns of Court
  • North Carolina State Bar
  • North Carolina Bar Association

Esther Manheimer, an attorney with the Van Winkle Law Firm in Asheville, was elected chair of the North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Coalition. The Metro Mayors represents the state’s largest cities.

Community Involvement

  • Asheville, N.C., Mayor
  • Asheville City Council, Former Vice Mayor
  • Asheville Regional Airport Authority, past board member
  • City of Asheville Board of Adjustment, past board member
  • Jewish Community Center, Former President
  • Metropolitan Sewerage District, current board member
  • North Carolina Leadership Forum
  • North Carolina Metro Mayors Coalition, Chair
  • Asheville-Buncombe County Economic Development Commission
  • Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
  • HUB Community Economic Development Alliance

Esther and her husband, Mark, have three children: Levi, Greyson, and Asa. In her spare time, Esther enjoys spending time with friends and family, including attending Tabata classes at the YMCA with her sister.

  • Favorite Food: Huevos Rancheros from Over Easy
  • Favorite Artists: Her mother, Caroline Manheimer, and sister, Kora Manheimer
  • Favorite Music: Bluegrass
  • Favorite Book: “Manchild in the Promised Land” by Claude Brown
  • Guilty Pleasure: Quiet time