Chad Rhoades

Chad Rhoades is an experienced litigator with extensive policy and political experience at both the federal and state level across multiple branches of government. Prior to joining Cranfill Sumner, Chad was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, served as Chief Counsel to United States Senator Thom Tillis, and worked in state government at the North Carolina General Assembly. Chad practices in the Raleigh office and is a member of the firm’s Administrative, Regulatory and Government Law and White Collar, Government Investigations, and Special Matters practice groups.

As a federal prosecutor, Chad prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases, led violent crime reduction task forces, chaired nine jury trials, and successfully argued before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Chad has led complex investigations and indicted sophisticated criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking, violent crime, fraud, firearms trafficking, and money laundering.

Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Chad served as Chief Counsel to United States Senator Thom Tillis. As Chief Counsel, Chad advised on matters that included firearms policy, antitrust, criminal justice reform, whistleblower protection, Electronic Communications Privacy Act, data privacy, campaign finance, and congressional and oversight investigations. During his time on Capitol Hill, Chad helped the office author, introduce, and shepherd bipartisan legislation. He also guided the office through the nomination and confirmation of Supreme Court justices, circuit court judges, and high-level executive appointments.

Before his time in Washington, D.C., Chad worked in state government at the North Carolina General Assembly where he practiced and advised in election and campaign law. His experience coalition and consensus building, and his deep knowledge of federal government and North Carolina legislative and regulatory processes will help clients navigate complex issues and achieve results outside the courtroom.

Chad received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and law degree from Campbell University.