Marshall Wall, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner, focuses his practice on eminent domain and land condemnation law, representing property owners in disputes with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and local government agencies. His mission is to protect property rights and ensure clients receive fair compensation when land is taken for public use.
Decade of Leadership & Deep Experience
Marshall served as Managing Partner of Cranfill Sumner for 10 years, guiding the firm through strategic growth and operational excellence. This leadership experience, combined with his extensive litigation background, gives him a unique perspective on complex property and business disputes. Clients benefit from his ability to blend high-level strategy with practical, results-driven advocacy.
Eminent Domain Focus
Marshall helps property owners navigate the challenges of eminent domain, including negotiations and litigation when government entities exercise condemnation powers. His goal is to provide clarity and confidence throughout the process, achieving the best possible outcome for his clients.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
With a background spanning business litigation, real estate disputes, employment law, and corporate governance, Marshall brings a comprehensive lens to eminent domain cases. This multidisciplinary foundation allows him to address legal, regulatory, and financial issues seamlessly, delivering tailored strategies for each client.
Proven Trial Experience
Marshall is a seasoned trial attorney who has served as lead counsel in state and federal courts across North Carolina. He has represented clients in the North Carolina Business Court and has secured favorable results through litigation, mediation, and arbitration in complex disputes.
Articles, Presentations, and Publications
•“North Carolina Highway and Utility Rights-of-Way” Webinar, August 2025
•“A Tool Kit for Succession Planning for Law Firms and Corporate Legal Departments,” Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) Winter Meeting, February 2025
•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.
Accomplishments
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026)
•Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2016-2026); Commercial Litigation (2018-2026); Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2020-2026); Litigation - Insurance (2021-2026); Business Organizations (Including LLCs and Partnerships) (2024 - 2026)
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers in the field of Civil Litigation, Defense (2021-2026)
•Selected for inclusion in Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Litigation (2014, 2025); Business Law (2018, 2019, 2024. 2026)
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers Top 100 in North Carolina (2019 - 2020)
•NC State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization, Privacy and Information Security Specialty Committee (2017-2018, reappointed 2018-2024)
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers (2016-2019)
•Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
•Selected for membership in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (2015)
•Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Emerging Leaders Program Participant
•Selected for inclusion in Business North Carolina's Power List (2023, 2024, 2025)
Most Recent Posts
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How Is Just Compensation Calculated in an Eminent Domain Case?
One of the first questions many property owners ask when they receive notice that the government may take part or...
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What to Do When You Receive an Eminent Domain Notice in North Carolina
Receiving notice that the government may take part or all of your property can be stressful and confusing. Many property...
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Our Top 10 Resources of 2023
Throughout the year, Cranfill Sumner LLP’s attorneys work diligently to bring the most up-to-date information on North Carolina legal updates...
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The Role of H-2A Workers and Farm Labor Contractors in US Agriculture
The H-2A program plays a significant role in supporting the agricultural industry in the United States, including North Carolina. The...
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North Carolina Enacts Stricter Legislation Aimed at Improving Residential Elevator Safety
North Carolina has implemented House Bill 619, which amends the regulations for residential elevators set forth in Article 9 of...
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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...
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Trends in Privacy Laws Around the U.S.: A Look at the Pending N.C. Consumer Privacy Act
Data privacy legislation has picked up steam across the nation in recent years. California, Colorado, and Virginia are among many...
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Cybersecurity is IT’s Job, not the Board’s, Right?
Cybersecurity is a modern tech-savvy buzzword that often makes non-IT peoples’ eyes glaze over. This mindset is very risky, and...
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Cranfill Sumner Launches COVID-19 Response Team
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced the creation of its COVID-19 Response Team. The team is comprised of...
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Does a Clause in your Commercial Contract Protect you during the COVID-19 Crisis?
What in the world is a “force majeure”? The phrase “force majeure” has gotten more attention in recent weeks than...
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The Cyber Risk of a Remote Workforce
Despite its negative impact on our lives, and despite the fact that it has forced Americans and American businesses to...
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Data Protection: What NC Business Owners and Executives Need to Know
Cybersecurity is a growing problem for businesses of all sizes. The average cost of a data breach is $3.8 million...