A Raleigh native and Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner, Marshall represents clients in a wide range of matters including employment law advice, business litigation, risk management, and corporate formation and governance issues. Marshall has a particular interest in privacy and data security and holds the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) designation. He is board certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a specialist in Privacy and Information Security. He was part of the first class of attorneys in North Carolina to be certified in this area of the law.

A seasoned trial attorney, Marshall also handles litigation and disputes involving non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants, unfair and deceptive trade practices, wage and hour law, employment discrimination, and regulatory issues. Marshall has handled a substantial number of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases and served as lead trial counsel in state and federal courts throughout North Carolina in trucking and transportation, product liability, and negligent security cases. He has been successful* in obtaining favorable results for clients through alternative dispute resolution forums, including mediation and arbitration. Marshall regularly handles cases in the North Carolina Business Court.

Marshall maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell, the peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached high levels of skill and integrity. In addition, he serves on the Cranfill Sumner COVID-19 Response Team.

*Cases or matters referenced do not represent the lawyer’s entire record.  Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits.  The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer’s or a law firm’s past results.

Representative Matters

Cases or matters referenced do not represent the lawyer’s entire record.  Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits.  The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer’s or a law firm’s past results.

Business and Cyber & Privacy

  • Advised businesses related to data breach recovery and notification requirements and liability for losses.
  • Assisted companies in evaluating liability issues and pursuing claims related to business email compromise (BEC) and wire transfer and ACH fraud losses.
  • Represented a technology company in a transaction in which it acquired substantially all of the assets of a competitor.
  • Represented franchisee in negotiating amendments to franchise agreements for numerous retail locations.
  • Prepared and negotiated asset purchase agreement for substantially all the assets of a North Carolina LLC engaged in retail sales by a competitor.
  • Represented commercial property owners in the sale of property for more than $1,000,000 including handling various contractual issues related to alleged environmental contamination.
  • Advised non-profit mental health agency on cyber insurance coverage issues.
  • Represented physician and clinic with regard to HIPAA compliance issue and alleged breach of physician-patient privilege.
  • Represented dental practices and individual dentists in practice dissolutions, shareholder departures, and employment disputes.

Employment and Commercial Litigation

  • Served as lead counsel for an agricultural employer in a wage and hour class action filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina involving claims of violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, North Carolina Wage and Hour Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
  • Represented supplier of building materials in the trial of a case involving allegations of breach of contract and violation of North Carolina’s Uniform Commercial Code.
  • Represented a company through an OSHA investigation following a fatality accident.  The investigation resulted in no citations against the business.
  • Represented a technology company before the North Carolina Business Court in a case involving alleged breach of contract and unfair trade practices.
  • Represented co-owner of technology company in litigation related to ownership of business assets and intellectual property.
  • Won dismissal of lawsuit against out-of-state business on jurisdictional grounds. This is believed to be the first appellate case in North Carolina to deal with jurisdiction based on a “passive” web site.
  • Represented restaurant in wage and hour action in which employees sought class action status.
  • Represented a home builder in a copyright dispute in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
  • Represented an agribusiness in breach of contract and unfair trade practice action before the North Carolina Business Court.
  • Represented private and public employers at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defending against charges of discrimination filed by employees, including during investigations, at mediation, and at conciliation.

Trucking and Transportation

  • Served as lead counsel for a trucking company in a wrongful death case involving punitive damages claims for violation of hours of service rules and other Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).
  • Served as lead counsel for motor carrier in catastrophic injury case with punitive damages claim based on allegations of improper vehicle maintenance and high Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) scores in related Behavioral Analysis & Safety Improvement Categories (BASIC).
  • Successfully defended a commercial truck driver and his employer in a jury trial in Sampson County Superior Court.
  • Regularly handled pre-suit investigations of wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims.

Products and Premises Liability

  • Served as lead counsel for a product manufacturer in a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina in a wrongful death lawsuit arising from a fire allegedly started by the company’s product.
  • Won summary judgment in personal injury claim by a patient who claimed she sustained injuries as a result of her fall at a local hospital.   The decision was affirmed by a unanimous opinion from the Court of Appeals.
  • Won summary judgment for a business owner sued by a customer who claimed that she sustained a skull fracture and serious permanent head injuries as a result of an accident at the business.  The decision was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
  • Obtained summary judgment in wrongful death case against property owner in Forsyth County.  Plaintiff’s appeal was dismissed by the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Articles, Presentations, and Publications

  • Quoted in “Cyber Expertise Needs Vetting as Boards Seek Crucial Skill”, Agenda, September 2022.
  • “Emerging Legal and Insurance Issues Related to COVID-19,” Here To Help: Local Business Virtual Conference Series presented by Capitol Broadcasting Company and WRAL, May 2020.
  • “Are You Prepared for a Cyber Emergency? An Overview of Cyber Law and Best Practices,” NC Bar Association Paralegal Division Annual Meeting, May 2018.
  • “CSA – A Review and Overview,” North Carolina Trucking Association, December 2011.

Most Recent Posts

  Post

Our Top 10 Resources of 2022

Throughout the year, Cranfill Sumner LLP’s attorneys work diligently to bring the most up-to-date information on North Carolina legal updates… Read More

  News

Jason Stiles Named 2022 Unsung Legal Hero

Headshot of Jaon Stiles.

Jason Stiles has been honored as one of the 2022 Unsung Legal Heroes by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly. This award recognizes the staff members of law firms statewide who show dedication to their careers.… Read More

  News

Richard Boyette Named to NCBA Legal Practice Hall of Fame

Richard Boyette has been named to the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) Legal Practice Hall of Fame. Boyette is an experienced litigator and mediator with a career spanning more than four decades who serves as Of Counsel at Cranfill Sumner LLP.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Presents FDCC Employment Law Podcast

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP, recently presented during a podcast hosted by the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) Employment Practice and Workplace Liability Substantive Law Section.  The podcast featured Nashville attorney William “Zan” Blue, Jr.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Presents During FDCC Podcast

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP, served as host and presenter for the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) podcast about the current status and developments in Labor Law under the new Biden Administration.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Reappointed to NC Bar Committee

Gavel on Computer Keyboard

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law), was reappointed to serve a three-year term on the Privacy and Information Security Law Specialty Committee of the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Unveiled as New Firm Name

Cranfill Sumner LLP today announced that the firm will adopt the new name of Cranfill Sumner LLP. The name reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to evolve and change in the modern legal landscape while still paying homage to its nearly 30-year history in North Carolina.… Read More

  News

Rebecca Knudson Named Partner of Cranfill Sumner

Rebecca Knudsen

Cranfill Sumner today announced that Rebecca Knudson has been named a partner in the firm. Rebecca is based in the firm’s Wilmington office and focuses her civil litigation practice on representing builders, developers, homeowner association boards and other business professionals in construction law, mechanic lien law, community association law and other complex litigation matters.… Read More

  News

Paul Gessner Joins Cranfill Sumner Raleigh Office

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that Paul Gessner has joined the firm’s Raleigh office as Of Counsel. Gessner will join the Municipalities and Public Entities Practice Group and the Employment Law Practice Group.… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Volunteer for Legal Aid Eviction Project

paper people chain

In May 2020, Legal Aid of North Carolina launched an effort to help North Carolinians who were struggling to pay rent and were facing eviction. Legal Aid paired available emergency financial support with a search for volunteer attorneys from across the state who could help negotiate past and future payments with landlords.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Participates in NCADA Fall Seminar

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP, served on a panel discussion during the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA) Virtual Fall Seminar. The panel discussed “Leadership and Practice Management During Disruption” and was held on Oct. 2.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Reappointed to Campbell Law Board of Visitors

Conference room

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), has been reappointed to serve an additional two-year term on the Campbell Law Board of Visitors. Marshall has served on the Board of Visitors since 2016. His new term begins Sept. 1, 2020 and continues through Aug. 31, 2022.… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Awards Three 2020 Core Value Awards

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) has awarded the 2020 Cranfill Sumner Core Value Award to Christine Colangelo, Katie Laymon, and Robin Terry. Cranfill Sumner presents the award annually to one or more individuals in the firm who best exemplify the firm’s core values of client service, reputation, and teamwork.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Discusses Employment and COVID-19 on WRAL Webinar

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, participated in the “Here To Help: Local Business Virtual Conference Series” webinar on May 28. Marshall served on a panel that discussed “Emerging Legal and Insurance Issues related to COVID-19.”… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Featured in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently featured in North Carolina Lawyer’s Weekly. In “Beware the malware: At law firms, cybersecurity is more important than ever,” Marshall discusses malware and cybersecurity concerns for law firms.… Read More

  News

Josh Hiller Joins Cranfill Sumner Raleigh Office

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that Josh Hiller has joined its Raleigh office in an Of Counsel role. He will focus his practice in the area of Business Disputes & Litigation and Professional Liability, Defense.… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner Creates Dan Hartzog Core Value Award

Dan Hartzog | Trial Lawyer Raleigh NC

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced the creation of the Dan Hartzog Core Value Award which will be awarded annually to an individual in the firm who best exemplifies the firm’s core values of Client Service, Reputation, and Teamwork. … Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Reappointed to Privacy and Information Security Specialty Committee

Keyboard with an "information" button instead of "enter" button

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently reappointed to the Privacy and Information Security Specialty Committee of the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Marshall and his fellow committee members are responsible for recruiting and evaluating applicants as well as reviewing, revising and grading the certification exam.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall to Present about Cyber Risks

Keyboard with an "information" button instead of "enter" button

Marshall Wall will present about Cyber Risks at Lawyers Mutual CLE events in New Bern and Greenville. “Put Into Practice Risk Management Tips for Your Firm” are half-day CLE events that will be held Jan. 26 in New Bern and Jan. 27 in Greenville.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Selected to Chair FDCC Section

Gavel on Computer Keyboard

Marshall Wall, Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently appointed to the position of Vice Chair of the new Data Breach, Privacy and Cyber Insurance Law Section of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC). Marshall was selected to join FDCC in 2015.… Read More

  News

Triangle Attorney At Law Magazine Features Marshall Wall

Marshall Wall | Business Attorney Raleigh

The latest edition of Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine features an interview with Marshall Wall, Cranfill Sumner LLP’s managing partner. The article is a profile of Marshall’s 16-year career with the firm and includes his vision for the firm’s future.… Read More

  News

Marshall Wall Speaks at RTA-ACC Event

Marshall Wall | Business Attorney Raleigh

On Sept. 30, Marshall Wall addressed a CLE event sponsored by the Triad Chapter of the RTA-ACC. He provided an overview and update on SEC, FTC and federal laws that govern data protection and duties owed to customers in the event of a cybersecurity or data breach.… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner Names Marshall Wall as Managing Partner

Marshall Wall | Business Attorney Raleigh

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced today that F. Marshall Wall has been named Managing Partner. Wall, a partner in the firm and current Chair of the Business Law and Cyber Liability and Privacy Practice Groups, will assume the role in January 2016.
… Read More

  Result

Wall Successfully Defends Hospital in Premises Liability Case

Case Results for NC Law

Wall obtained summary judgment on behalf of a larger regional hospital in which plaintiff sought damages for injuries suffered when she tripped and fell in the hospital’s parking lot. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision finding the plastic base was apparent and that the plaintiff’s ability to see the plastic base was not obstructed.… Read More

  Result

Municipality Prevails in Zoning Dispute

Case Results for NC Law

Marshall Wall won summary judgment for a municipality sued as the result of a zoning dispute with a landowner. The landowner, a trust, wanted to put a church into a commercial property that it owned, but the property was not zoned for church use.… Read More