Overview

Determined to be recognized as one of the best, most creative and innovative litigation firms in the state, a group of twenty-seven attorneys founded the firm of Cranfill Sumner LLP in 1992. Since that time, the firm has more than tripled in size, growing steadily each year, and is consistently ranked in the list of the largest firms in the state of North Carolina. With offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington, its attorneys represent individuals and businesses of all types across the state.


The firm concentrates its practice in civil litigation for the defense, handling virtually all types of claims, including medical and professional negligence, products liability, construction law, police and municipal law, land condemnation, premises liability, commercial litigation, employment law and workers’ compensation claims.


With its experienced litigators and support personnel utilizing the latest technology available to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, the firm provides representation that is designed to reach the desired results for its clients, and is able to do so in an efficient and reasonable manner.


The firm is proud to be recognized for its efforts and results in the legal community, and for its reputation in the community at large as providing a positive contribution in many other ways as well. We believe that Cranfill, Sumner and Hartzog, LLP is in fact one of the best, most creative and innovative litigation firms in the state today.
Size:
82
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
22
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
32

Rankings

Regional

Charlotte

Tier
1
Charlotte
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
1
Charlotte
Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Tier
2
Charlotte
Civil Rights Law
Tier
2
Charlotte
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
Charlotte
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
2
Charlotte
Litigation - Municipal

Rankings

Regional

Charlotte

Tier
1
Charlotte
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
1
Charlotte
Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Tier
2
Charlotte
Civil Rights Law
Tier
2
Charlotte
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
Charlotte
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
2
Charlotte
Litigation - Municipal
Tier
3
Charlotte
Employment Law - Management
Tier
3
Charlotte
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
Charlotte
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Raleigh

Tier
1
Raleigh
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Raleigh
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Tier
1
Raleigh
Insurance Law
Tier
1
Raleigh
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
1
Raleigh
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier
1
Raleigh
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Raleigh
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Raleigh
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier
1
Raleigh
Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Tier
2
Raleigh
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
2
Raleigh
Litigation - Construction
Tier
2
Raleigh
Mediation
Tier
2
Raleigh
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
3
Raleigh
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Tier
3
Raleigh
Construction Law
Tier
3
Raleigh
Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Wilmington-NC

Tier
1
Wilmington-NC
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Wilmington-NC
Employment Law - Management
Tier
1
Wilmington-NC
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
1
Wilmington-NC
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier
1
Wilmington-NC
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
2
Wilmington-NC
Litigation - Health Care

Practice Areas

Cranfill Sumner LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 21 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
  • Appellate
  • Aviation Law
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Community Association Law
  • Construction Law
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Education Law
  • Elder Law
  • Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Family Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Municipal Law
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Cranfill Sumner LLP proudly has 32 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Offices & Contacts

Raleigh, NC
5440 Wade Park Boulevard, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27607
United States
Washington, DC
2001 K Street NW, Suite 250 North Tower
Washington, DC 20006
United States
Charlotte, NC
2907 Providence Road, Suite 200
P.O. Box 30787
Charlotte, NC 28211
United States
Wilmington, NC
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