John D. Martin

Cranfill Sumner mourns the passing of founding Wilmington Partner John D. Martin. We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, colleagues, and clients.

John founded Cranfill Sumner’s Wilmington office in 2001, establishing the firm’s presence in Eastern North Carolina. He served on the Management Committee for more than a decade and as Managing Partner of the Wilmington office from its founding until January 1, 2026. His leadership is characterized by steadiness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to client service.

John was a pillar of Cranfill Sumner and a dedicated steward of its success. He guided the office’s growth from a single attorney to a highly respected legal practice serving clients throughout the region. Under his leadership, the Wilmington office navigated significant changes, including the COVID 19 pandemic, hurricanes affecting the region, and multiple office moves. Through it all, John led with empathy, steadiness, and care, while remaining grounded in the firm’s core values of teamwork, client service, and reputation. In recognition of the way he embodied those values, John was honored with Cranfill Sumner’s 2022 Core Value Award, reflecting the deep appreciation held for a leader who meant so much to the firm.

In addition to his leadership role, John maintained an active trial practice focused on medical malpractice and professional liability defense and served as Chair of the firm’s Medical Malpractice Practice Group. Over the course of his career, he tried numerous complex cases involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death and appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and North Carolina’s appellate courts.

John was widely respected in the legal community. He was consistently recognized for excellence throughout his career, including repeated selection to The Best Lawyers in America, multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors, long standing recognition by North Carolina Super Lawyers, and an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale Hubbell. He was also named amongst the 2026 Leaders in the Law by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.

In 2019, John joined the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious, invitation-only association comprised of experienced trial lawyers and judges across the United States. ABOTA is dedicated to preserving the civil jury trial, and its members are dedicated to skill, civility, and integrity. John’s invitation to join is a testament to his reputation, not just within North Carolina, but within the national legal community.

John Martin’s legacy is one of leadership, professionalism, and deep respect for others. He leaves an enduring mark on Cranfill Sumner, the Wilmington legal community, and the clients and colleagues he served throughout his distinguished career.

John will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him. We hold John’s family and loved ones in our thoughts and are grateful for the many ways his example will continue to shape our firm.