Richard T. Boyette is Of Counsel at the Raleigh office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog. He has enjoyed a broad civil litigation practice throughout his career. Currently, Richard’s litigation practice focuses on defense of lawyers and other professionals, and product liability defense.
As outside general counsel to a commercial general contractor/developer, Richard provides representation in a range of issues that have included employment, construction and contract disputes, as well as transactions involving such matters as entity formation, land acquisition and construction, and permanent financing.
Richard has been an active mediator since the early 1990s and today is a well-respected mediator. He has mediated over 1,600 disputes in a broad range of subject matters, including personal injury and wrongful death, contract, construction defect, employment relations, medical and other professional liability, product liability, medical device liability, insurance coverage, condemnation, intellectual property and stockbroker/customer disputes.
Richard has been active for many years in DRI, the Voice of the Defense Bar, which is the 22,000+ member national defense trial bar organization. He served as its president in 2004-2005. At his urging, DRI established the National Foundation for Judicial Excellence, a charitable foundation having as its mission the education of state court judges. In 2010, Richard received DRI’s Louis B. Potter Professional Service Award. He also served as president of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys in 1990-91, and was the inaugural recipient of that organization’s Robert J. Elster Award for Professional Excellence in 2004.
Richard has been accorded the top AV® ranking by Martindale-Hubbell, a prestigious rating organization of the legal profession. In addition, he is regularly listed among the top lawyers in North Carolina by Best Lawyers in America® and NC Super Lawyers®.
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.
Litigation
- Successful “claims repair” avoiding malpractice action against attorney due to clerical error in designation of county in summons commencing personal injury action.
- Obtained dismissal of invasion of privacy and trespass claims against attorneys arising from actions of private investigator hired by attorneys’ client.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of owner of land adjacent to railroad crossing in case alleging that client obstructed views of motorist who was struck by train at crossing.
- Successful defense of big box retailer against charges of defamation, false imprisonment and malicious prosecutions arising from arrest of suspected looter for trespassing following destruction of store by tornado.
- Defended insurer in case which established in North Carolina that sexual harassment is not an occurrence under the comprehensive general liability policy.
- Obtained summary judgment for commercial real estate lawyer sued for malpractice in connection with representation of hotel developers.
- Obtained dismissal of closing attorney from six related lawsuits arising from coastal real estate development.
Mediation
- Mediated efforts of developer to address concerns of neighborhood over planned commercial development.
- Mediated series of mold claims arising from townhouse development.
- Mediated multi-party $28 million estate dispute.
- Mediated tax shelter investment fraud dispute.
- Mediated series of territorial dispute between municipal power agencies and rural electric co-ops.
Articles, Presentations, and Publications
- Trainer of other attorney mediators and a speaker at seminars on mediation and negotiation
- Presentation to North Carolina Bar Association Construction Law Section on CGL coverage
- Luncheon speaker on professionalism at joint professionalism seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Presentation to American Legislative Exchange Council on Judicial Selection
- Panelist for presentation entitled “Embracing ADR – Opportunities for Defense Lawyers” at the 2006 DRI annual meeting in San Francisco
- Panelist for presentation entitled “Mediation, Arbitration, Litigation – Oh My! What the Wizard Would Have Said About Implementing And Executing An Effective Plan For Conflict Resolution” at the 2011 IADC Corporate Counsel College in Chicago.
- Panelist for presentation entitled “Buyer’s Remorse: The Plight of the Real Estate Professional” at the 2011 DRI Professional Liability Seminar in New York.
- Mediation and negotiation presentation to staff attorneys of Legal Services of North Carolina, January, 2012.
Most Recent Posts
14 CSH Law Attorneys Named to 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today CSH Law proudly announced that 14 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2021 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
COA Opinion on Mediated Settlement Agreements
On Nov. 3, the North Carolina Court of Appeals issued opinion in a case entitled Mitchell v Boswell with a rather unremarkable… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Volunteer for Legal Aid Eviction Project
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
Richard Boyette Discusses Pro Bono Work with Legal Aid of NC
Richard Boyette participated in Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Free Forum Friday on Aug. 21. Richard discussed “Eviction Prevention During COVID and the Role of Pro Bono Service” and how he recently helped a pro bono client with her own eviction case.… Read More
27 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2021
Twenty-seven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
Richard Boyette Featured on DRI Podcast
Richard Boyette, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law), was featured on the “A Conversation With…” podcast from DRI.… Read More
Mediations During The Pandemic
Many of us are learning to do things differently as we cope with stay-at-home orders, restricted operations of the courts,… Read More
CSH Law Staff Members Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Members of the Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) offices participated in the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s 13th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 6.… Read More
Richard Boyette Participates in Lawyers Mutual CLE Panel
Richard Boyette served as a featured speaker in a CLE event sponsored by Lawyers’ Mutual. Richard presented on a panel presentation entitled “This Case is Killing Me,” addressing the stresses of representing difficult clients and how to prevent those cases from evolving into a legal malpractice claim.… Read More
11 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Named to 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) proudly announced that 11 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2020 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
31 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2020
Thirty-one attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020(Copyright 2019 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Assist in Bar Exam Interview Sessions
Several Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) attorneys assisted with interviews for the February 2019 bar exam session for the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners. CSH Law is committed to giving back to the legal community and is proud to support the NC State Bar admissions process.… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Participated at 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Attorneys from the offices of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 12thAnnual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 1.… Read More
21 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Named to 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) proudly announced that 21 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2019 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
Four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) were recently named the Best Lawyers® 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” for their respective practice areas in their local metropolitan area. (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)… Read More
32 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2019
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
4ALL Statewide Service Day
Attorneys from the offices of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 11th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 2.… Read More
20 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Named to 2018 N.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Star Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) proudly announced that 20 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2018 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
33 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2018
Thirty-three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Eight attorneys were selected for inclusion in the list for the first time.… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 10th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 3. The statewide event is sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association Foundation and the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA).… Read More
17 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Named to 2017 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
Today Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) proudly announced that 17 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2017 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2017 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition in 2017
Attorneys chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 Five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH… Read More
26 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2017
Twenty-six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 (Copyright 2016 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
17 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Named to 2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH) is proud to announce that 16 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2016 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
Defensive use of Rule 1.8 permitted by NC Court of Appeals
NC Court of Appeals Holds that a Client May Use a Violation of the Rule 1.8 of the Rules of… Read More
Benchmark Litigation 2016 Lists Richard Boyette Among Its Litigation Stars
Richard Boyette is featured in Benchmark Litigation 2016 as a local Litigation Star.… Read More
Richard Boyette Selected As Lawyer of the Year For 2015 Leaders in the Law List
Richard Boyette, an attorney in the Raleigh office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law), has been selected as the 2015 Lawyer of the Year byNorth Carolina Lawyers Weekly, in connection with its Leaders in the Law program, co-sponsored by Elon University School of Law, which honors legal professionals who excel in their profession and community involvement.… Read More
Richard Boyette Appointed to New Law and Justice Commission
Richard Boyette, Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution, Products Liability and Professional Liability Practice Groups at Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, has been appointed to the North Carolina Commission on the Administration of Law and Justice (NCCALJ). Richard was appointed by Chief Justice Mark Martin, who is convening the commission.… Read More
28 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2016
Twenty-eight attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2016.… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Eleven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (CSH Law) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 8th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 6. … Read More
20 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Named to 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
CSH Law announced that 20 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
Richard Boyette to Moderate Panel About Sports Litigation
Richard Boyette will serve as the moderator for a panel discussion for the 2015 DRI Corporate Counsel Roundtable.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Named to 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition
CSH Law is proud to announced that nine of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition.… Read More
Benchmark Litigation 2015 Lists Richard Boyette Among Its Litigation Stars
Richard Boyette will be featured in Benchmark Litigation 2015 as a litigation Star. Benchmark Litigation conducts research on litigators, firms, and cases.… Read More
NFJE Excellence Award Created in Honor of Richard Boyette
CSH Law announced that the National Foundation for Judicial Excellence created the Richard T. Boyette Award for Outstanding Contributions to the NFJE.… Read More
24 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2015
Twenty-four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.… Read More
CSH Law Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Ten attorneys from CSH Law provided vital legal advice and resources in the North Carolina Bar Association’s Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day.… Read More
21 CSH Law Attorneys Named to 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
CSH Law announced that 21 of its attorneys are selected for inclusion in the 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2014 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
25 Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2014
CSH Law is proud to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America©.… Read More
24 CSH Law Attorneys Selected as 2013 North Carolina Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
Ten CSH Law attorneys were selected as 2013 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 14 CSH Law attorneys were selected as 2013 North Carolina Rising Stars.… Read More
23 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 Edition
Twenty-three lawyers from CSH Law were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013… Read More
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog Lands 17 Attorneys in the Best Lawyers in America® 2012 Edition
CSH Law, one of the largest civil defense firms in North Carolina, announced today that 17 of its attorneys selected The Best Lawyers in America.… Read More