Overview

Cranfill Sumner LLP is a multi-disciplinary law firm with 80+ attorneys serving clients with offices located in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, and Washington, D.C. Founded in North Carolina in 1992, we advise and represent clients in all stages of litigation before federal and state courts in North Carolina, as well as select administrative agencies. Our services cover practice areas including business law, elder and estate planning, employment law, medical malpractice, land condemnation and eminent domain, workers’ compensation, and more.

The Cranfill Sumner LLP team serves clients in all aspects of civil litigation, employment law, workers’ compensation, and transactional issues. Our team consists of NC Board Certified Specialists in workers’ compensation, litigation partners, associates, paralegals, and professional support staff. We have handled more than 130,000 matters.

Since 1992, the firm has been built on the foundation of Teamwork, Reputation, and Client Service, and it continues that legacy today as it works to guide and counsel clients through each issue. Whether it’s for privately-held companies, municipal entities, small business owners, or partnerships, the “Cranfill way” includes practical and efficient representation tailored for each client.

Our depth of trial experience provides the unique perspective from which we advise clients on proactive steps they can take today to avoid future litigation. We offer continuing education opportunities through onsite seminars, webinars, and written updates on North Carolina Law. Our goal is to empower our clients so they are equipped with the knowledge they need to mitigate risk or handle a matter should it arise.

Size:
82
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Practice Areas:
23
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
2
Charlotte
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
Charlotte
Employment Law - Management
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
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
Appellate Practice
Tier
2
Raleigh
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
2
Raleigh
Litigation - Construction
Tier
2
Raleigh
Mediation
Tier
2
Raleigh
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
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
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
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 23 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Appellate
  • Aviation
  • Business Disputes
  • Business Law
  • Class Actions
  • Community Association Law
  • Construction Law
  • Cyber Law
  • Elder Law
  • Eminent Domain
  • Employment
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Intellectual Property
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Municipal Law
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Professional Liability
  • Trucking
  • White Collar Criminal Defense
  • Workers' Compensation

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Cranfill Sumner LLP proudly has 32 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2026 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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