Melody practices professional liability defense, including the defense of attorneys, architects & engineers, real estate professionals, accountants, home inspectors & appraisers, land surveyors, directors & officers of profit and non-profit corporations and other non-medical professionals. Melody is Section Leader for the Firm’s Professional Liability practice group and she has maintained an active leadership role in the Defense Research Institute (DRI)’s Professional Liability Committee since 2009, serving two terms as its Chair from 2019-2021.
Melody’s dedication to professional liability defense includes counseling her professional clients on their ethical obligations and - if a mistake is made - assisting her clients in determining if the error can be corrected or the damage lessened and a claim or lawsuit avoided.
In addition to professional liability defense, Melody’s legal experience includes community associations litigation, representation of corporations in business disputes and general liability matters.
In 2013, she was appointed to the Lawyers Mutual Eastern Carolina Community Board and she currently still serves in that role. In 2017, Melody accepted an invitation to membership in the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC). Melody is an active member of the Professional Liability Attorney Network (PLAN), a national organization of independent, AV-rated law firms, specializing in all aspects of professional liability and related-industry law, and she also frequently presents on professional liability topics at DRI, PLAN, and other seminars.
Melody maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell, a prestigious peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached high levels of skill and integrity. She has been named by North Carolina Super Lawyers as a Rising Star: 2010 - 2019, and as a Super Lawyer: 2020 - 2022. Melody has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Professional Malpractice Law: 2018 - 2022, and she was recognized among the Benchmark 40 & Under 2019 Hot List in the field of Professional Liability Defense. Melody received the “2008 Power of Justice Pro Bono Impact Award” presented by NC Bar Association and Business Leader Magazine.
Outside of the office, Melody serves on the Board of Directors - Executive Committee (2021 - present) for the Coastal Pop Warner Cowboys Football and Cheerleading Association, a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive athletic activities, and she is the President of the Homeowners’ Association in her community.
Articles, Presentations, and Publications
•“Admissibility of Licensing Board Decisions in Related (or Unrelated) Civil Actions,” PLAN webinar, October 2021.
•DRI Professional Liability Seminar, Steering Committee, 2011-2021.
•“This Case is Killing Me!” NC Lawyers’ Mutual Risk Management CLE Series, January, 2020.
•“Even Homer Nods: What to Look Out for in Professional Indemnity Claims,” DRI International Dispute Resolution Conference, London, England, June 14, 2018.
•“Attacks on Professional Licensure,” DRI Professional Liability Seminar, December 2017.
•Lawyers’ Professionalism and Ethics and Professional Liability: “I Made a Mistake! What Now? Don’t Make It Worse!” DRI Annual Meeting, October 2016.
•“Win, Lose, or Draw: Building Your Way out of a Complex Construction Case as the Design Professional,” DRI Professional Liability Seminar, December 2016.
•“Applicability of Professional Services Exemptions Under State Consumer Protection Statutes,” 2010.
Accomplishments
•Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
•Named in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leaders in Law Class of 2022
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers in the field of Professional Liability, Defense (2020-2025)
•Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Litigation (2023, 2025)
•Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2018-2026)
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Rising Stars (2010-2019)
•“2008 Power of Justice Pro Bono Impact Award” presented by NC Bar Association and Business Leader Magazine
•Articles Editor - North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation (2005 - 2006)
•Benchmark 40 & Under 2019 Hot List, Professional Liability Defense
Most Recent Posts
News
33 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2026
Thirty-three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2026....
News
21 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2025 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 21 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2025 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2025 Legal Elite
Eleven Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
News
32 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2025
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025....
News
Melody Jolly and Stephen Bell Present at PLAN Seminar
Cranfill Sumner LLP’s Melody Jolly and Stephen Bell participated in the PLAN Regional Meeting: Hartford on Feb. 6. It was held in Hartford, Conn....
News
13 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 13 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2024 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2024 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
32 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2024
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2024....
News
Melody Jolly Moderates Panel at PLAN Meeting
Melody Jolly moderated a panel discussion during the PLAN Regional Meeting in New York City on June 22....
News
13 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2023 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 13 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2023 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2023 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2023 Legal Elite
Twelve Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Present PLAN Webinar
Ryan Bolick and Melody Jolly presented the Nov. 8 webinar “The Best Legal Malpractice Defense is a Good Offense: Strategies for Success in the ‘Case Within a Case,’ an Often-overlooked Prerequisite to Legal Malpractice Liability.”...
News
25 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2023
Twenty-five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2023....
News
Melody Jolly Honored with 2022 Leaders in the Law Award
Melody Jolly was recently honored as a member of the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leaders in the Law Class of 2022. North Carolina Lawyers Weekly presents this peer-nominated award annually to honor legal professionals licensed and practicing law in the state of North Carolina who have gone above and beyond in their profession and their community. These honorees represent the most influential individuals within the state’s legal community....
News
11 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2022 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 11 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2022 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
CSH Law Attorneys Lead PLAN Webinar
Ryan Bolick and Melody Jolly led the Oct. 28 PLAN webinar “Admissibility of Licensing Board Decisions in Related (or Unrelated) Civil Actions.”...
News
26 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2022
Twenty-six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2022....
Post
Cap On Recovery of Medical Bills in Wrongful Death Claims in North Carolina
Defense lawyers and insurance adjusters are frequently faced with evaluating medical damages presented by plaintiffs counsels and claimants. We often...
News
14 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner 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....
News
Laura Dean and Melody Jolly Serve as Leaders at the 2020 DRI Professional Liability Seminar
Laura Dean helped spearhead the planning and implementation of the 2020 Virtual DRI Professional Liability Seminar, which was held on Dec. 2, 2020. Originally slated as an in-person event in New York City, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change in plans. The 2020 Virtual Professional Liability Program featured prominent attorneys and industry leaders from across the county. Laura served as Vice-Chair of the Program and will serve as the Program Chair in 2021. ...
News
27 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2021
Twenty-seven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2021 (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....
News
Melody Jolly Highlighted in For the Defense
Melody Jolly, an attorney at Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was highlighted in the April edition of For the Defense, a publication of DRI. The April edition featured articles from several substantive law committees, including the Professional Liability Committee, for which Melody currently serves as Chair. Melody’s article, “From the Chair: Attorney and Counselor at Law,” discusses how the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted her role as an attorney and underscores the DRI Professional Liability Committee’s commitment to the well-being of its members, clients and the industry as a whole....
News
Cranfill Sumner Adds Staff to Wilmington Office
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced additions to its staff in Wilmington. Sarah Johann has been promoted to the position of Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Hannah Morris has joined Cranfill Sumner as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Evelyn Tordoff has joined the firm as a Paralegal....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys and Paralegals Volunteer for Mock Trial Competition
Attorneys and paralegals from Cranfill Sumner LLP’s Wilmington office volunteered for the Wilmington Regional Mock Trial competition. The attorneys and paralegals who participated are:...
News
11 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) 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....
News
Melody Jolly Presents at Risk Management CLE Series
Melody Jolly was a featured speaker at recent risk management CLE events held by Lawyers Mutual. Melody, along with Claire Modlin - VP of Claims at Lawyers Mutual, discussed best practices for client engagement and disengagement in a segment entitled, “This Case is Killing Me!”...
News
Melody Jolly and Deedee Gasch Featured in DRI Publication
Melody Jolly and Deedee Gasch were recently featured in the DRI publication, Customer Connection which is the newsletter of the DRI Retail and Hospitality Committee....
News
Melody Jolly and Ryan Bolick Participate in DRI Professional Liability Conference
Melody Jolly and Ryan Bolick participated in the recent DRI 2019 Professional Liability Conference which was held in New York City. ...
News
Melody Jolly Appointed Chair of the DRI Professional Liability Committee
Melody Jolly, a Partner in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), has been appointed the Chair of the DRI Professional Liability Committee for 2019-2020. She previously served two terms as the Committee’s Vice Chair and has served in an active leadership role with the Committee since 2009. She also frequently presents on professional liability topics at DRI and other seminars....
News
Melody Jolly and Patrick Mincey Recognized by Benchmark 40 & Under 2019 Hot List
Melody Jolly and Patrick Mincey, attorneys in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, were recently recognized among the Benchmark 40 & Under 2019 Hot List. The list recognizes law firm partners in the United States and Canada who are accomplished in their practice areas. Benchmark compiles the list based on several phases of research, including a review of candidates’ recent case work, peer review, and client feedback on their performance....
News
31 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2020
Thirty-one attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2020(Copyright 2019 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....
News
Cranfill Sumner Women’s Initiative Names New Leaders
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) has named Melody Jolly, Stephanie Gaston Poley and Virginia Wooten as the new leaders of its Women’s Initiative. The Women’s Initiative empowers our women attorneys to discuss and act on issues that are important to them. The group holds an annual retreat and events throughout the year....
News
21 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) 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....
News
Melody Jolly to Present at DRI Professional Liability Conference
Melody Jolly, Co-Chair of the Professional Liability Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP, will present at the 2018 Professional Liability Seminar offered by DRI. Melody’s presentation is entitled “When Iron Rod Found Conflicts with Iron Rod Set: Liability of Land Surveyors” and will occur on Nov. 29....
News
Melody Jolly Appointed to Second Term as Vice Chair of DRI Professional Liability Committee
Melody Jolly, a partner in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently reappointed to serve as the Vice Chair of the Professional Liability Committee of DRI. This is Melody’s second year serving in this position....
News
32 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2019
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019 (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....
News
Melody Jolly to Speak at International DRI Seminar
On June 14, Melody Jolly will speak at the DRI Hot Topics in International Dispute Resolution seminar. Melody will serve on a panel discussion entitled “Even Homer Nods: What to Look out for in Professional Indemnity Claims.”...
News
Melody Jolly Attends ABA Conference
Melody Jolly, a partner based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, attended the American Bar Association 2018 National Legal Malpractice Conference in Washington, D.C. on April 27....
News
20 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2018 N.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Star Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) 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....
News
Melody Jolly Presents at 2017 DRI Professional Liability Conference
Melody Jolly, a partner based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, presented at the DRI Professional Liability Conference in New York City. The two-day conference was held Dec. 7-8, 2017 at the Sheraton New York Times Square....
News
Melody Jolly to Discuss Professional Licensure at DRI Seminar
Melody Jolly, a partner in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, will be a featured speaker at the DRI Professional Liability Program. On Dec. 8, she will discuss “Attacks on Professional Licensure.”...
News
Melody Jolly Selected to Join IADC
Melody Jolly, a partner based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), has been selected to join the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)....
News
3 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Selected For DRI Leadership Positions
Three attorneys with Cranfill Sumner LLP were appointed to serve in leadership positions within DRI. Melody Jolly, Jennifer Morris Jones, and Stephanie Gaston Poley were appointed to serve leadership positions with various DRI committees....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys to Lead PLAN Webinar
On Sept. 21, Dan Katzenbach and Melody Jolly will present the PLAN Webinar “Win, Lose, or Draw: Building Your Way Out of a Complex Construction Case As the Design Professional.” The webinar is presented by PLAN, the Professional Liability Attorney Network....
News
33 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2018
Thirty-three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) 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....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive AV Rating From Martindale-Hubbell
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that 11 attorneys have recently received an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell....
News
17 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2017 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) 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....
News
Melody Jolly Presents at Professional Liability Seminar
Melody Jolly, an attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, is speaking at the DRI Professional Liability seminar. Melody’s presentation, “Win, Lose, or Draw: Building Your Way out of a Complex Construction Case as the Design Professional,” is scheduled for today at 10:55 a.m. She is also on the Steering Committee for both the Professional Liability Committee and the Seminar....
News
Melody Jolly to Speak at DRI Annual Meeting
Melody Jolly will present at the Lawyers’ Professionalism and Ethics Committee and Professional Liability Committee joint-CLE during the DRI Annual Meeting in Boston. Melody, an attorney in Cranfill Sumner LLP’s Wilmington office, will participate in the panel discussion entitled, “I Made a Mistake! What Now? Don’t Make It Worse!” on Oct. 21. Melody is also the Annual Meeting Chair for the Professional Liability Committee....
Result
Town v. General Contractor and Architect v. Subcontract Engineer
Town filed suit against Melody Jolly‘s (Wilmington) client, Architect, and the general contractor for damages arising from the design and...
Result
Melody Jolly Obtains Dismissal at Pleadings Stage of Legal Malpractice Claim
As lead counsel, Melody Jolly (Wilmington) obtained dismissal at the pleadings stage of a legal malpractice claim alleging over $1,000,000.00...
News
17 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner 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....
Result
Putative class action, legal malpractice, conspiracy, racketeering, RICO, NC-RICO, case dismissal
Putative class action, legal malpractice, conspiracy, racketeering, RICO, NC-RICO, case dismissal...
News
Melody Jolly Appointed to Eastern Carolina Community Board
The Eastern Carolina Community Board is designed to develop ambassadors and educators for Lawyers Mutual and to strengthen local ties and relationships. ...
