Chad Dunn

Known for his steady, organized, and practical approach, Chad has defended hundreds of cases involving construction defects, personal and commercial vehicle accidents, premises liability claims, homeowners’ and condominium owners’ association disputes, banking disputes, legal malpractice claims, and other civil litigation matters. He has significant experience handling uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, including defending multiple UM/UIM arbitrations. Chad also represents insurance carriers in coverage opinions, declaratory judgment actions, first-party coverage disputes, and bad-faith claims. His prior experience as an insurance adjuster gives him valuable insight into claims handling, insurance operations, and litigation strategy.

Chad’s practice also includes the rapidly evolving litigation, compliance, and operational issues facing multifamily housing providers, commercial property owners, student-housing operators, property management companies, and real estate developers. He serves as outside counsel to regional and national clients on both routine and complex matters arising from the leasing, management, and ownership of commercial real estate. His work includes advising clients on risk mitigation, legal compliance, and property-management best practices.

When informal resolution or alternative dispute resolution is unsuccessful, Chad draws on years of litigation experience handling evictions and summary ejectments, breach-of-lease disputes, Fair Housing Act claims, North Carolina fair housing matters, and North Carolina Real Estate Commission complaints. As state and federal laws continue to evolve, he regularly drafts and updates lease agreements, addenda, vendor contracts, service agreements, and other operational documents that support effective property management and business operations.

With more than a decade of courtroom experience in North Carolina state and federal courts, Chad focuses on helping clients achieve practical, cost-effective, and durable resolutions. Before joining Cranfill Sumner, he practiced with two Raleigh civil litigation and insurance defense firms. Prior to law school, Chad spent several years adjusting claims and supervising claims representatives for two national multiline insurers, experience that provides him with a unique understanding of the insurance industry and the challenges facing insurers and insureds alike.

Outside the office, Chad enjoys traveling with his wife and their two energetic daughters whenever the opportunity arises.