Rebecca 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. Rebecca has practiced civil litigation in North Carolina since 2006 and focuses her practice on construction law and community association law. Known for her diligence, attention to detail and responsiveness, she builds long lasting client relationships.
Rebecca is admitted to practice in North Carolina and Massachusetts. Prior to joining Cranfill Sumner LLP, Rebecca practiced at a firm in Wilmington where her practice focused on construction law and civil litigation.
Construction Law
Rebecca has extensive knowledge in the construction industry and construction litigation. Her experience as a construction attorney in Wilmington, NC includes successfully representing builders, developers, and other construction professionals in construction defect, contract and lien disputes.* Rebecca has represented clients in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, such as the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors and OSHA.
Mechanic Lien Law
As a Wilmington construction lien attorney, Rebecca files, prosecutes and defends lien claims on behalf of general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout the State of North Carolina.
Community Association Law
As an HOA attorney in Wilmington, NC, Rebecca represents and advises homeowners associations, condominium associations, and marina associations concerning contract claims, declaratory judgment actions (regarding the rights and responsibilities of parties), and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
Product Liability Law
Rebecca also defends product manufacturers and distributors against claims for alleged defects in the design, construction, and marketing of products.
CERTIFICATIONS, HONORS & AWARDS
Rebecca has received numerous certifications, accolades and awards from her peers and top legal publications and programs, including:
•Business North Carolina, Legal Elite in the fields of Appellate Law (2019-2020) and Construction Law (2019-2024)
•North Carolina Super Lawyers, Super Lawyer in the field of Construction Litigation (2017-2022)
•North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Star in the field of Construction Litigation (2014-2016)
•The Best Lawyers in America, (2016-2025) and in the field of Commercial Litigation (2023 -2025)
•Certified Litigation Management Professional (CLMP) designation from Litigation Management Institute of Claims and Litigation
ARTICLES, PRESENTATIONS, AND PUBLICATIONS
•Panelist, “Hard Hats and Hard Lessons”, Cape Fear Professional Women in Building Council (May 15, 2025)
•Panelist, “Through the Looking Glass: How to Handle Creative Insurance Arguments in Construction Defect Cases”, 2021 Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) Construction Conference (September 23, 2021)
•Author, “ Top 10 Legal Concerns for Builders and Contractors” (September 22, 2020)
•Author, “ Top 5 Myths and Misconceptions About Operating Neighborhood Pools During Phase II ” (August 7, 2020)
•Featured on the Objection to the Form podcast which is hosted by Justin Humphries. Rebecca discussed negotiating residential construction contracts. The podcast is available at the following link . (May 5, 2020)
•Contributor, “ Legal Advice for Business & Personal Matters, ” for Greater Insights column (April 20, 2018)
Accomplishments
•Selected for inclusion in Business North Carolina, Legal Elite in the field of Appellate Law (2019-2020)
•Selected for inclusion in Business North Carolina, Legal Elite in the field of Construction Law (2019-2026)
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers in the field of Construction Litigation (2017-2022, 2025-2026)
•Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2016, 2018-2020, 2022-2026), Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2021), and Commercial Litigation (2023-2026)
•Certified Litigation Management Professional (CLMP) designation from Litigation Management Institute of Claims and Litigation
•Legal Aid of North Carolina Pro Bono Award (2014-2018)
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Rising Stars in the field of Construction Litigation (2014-2016)
•University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Young Alumna of the Year (2009)
Most Recent Posts
News
17 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 17 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2026 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2026 Legal Elite
Eleven Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
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
Rebecca Knudson Serves on Women in Construction Panel
Rebecca Knudson, an attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP, served on the “Hard Hats and Hard Lessons” Women in Construction Panel which was hosted by the Cape Fear Professional Women in Building Council on May 15....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys and Staff Participate in 4ALL-Lawyers on Call
Attorneys and staff members from Cranfill Sumner LLP volunteered their time for the 2025 4ALL-Lawyers on Call event for the North Carolina Bar Foundation. The following individuals volunteered by answering callers’ questions during the March 7 event statewide....
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....
Result
Mica Nguyen Worthy and Rebecca Knudson Represent Private Equity Company in Complex International Business Dispute
Mica Nguyen Worthy, practice group leader for the International Business Law Practice Group, along with partner Rebecca Knudson, Construction Practice...
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
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Participate in Statewide Service Day
Members of the Cranfill Sumner LLP offices participated in the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s 4ALL - Lawyers on Call event on Friday, March 1. ...
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2024 Legal Elite
Twelve 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 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
Rebecca Knudson Presents Contract and Lien Disputes
Rebecca Knudson presented at the recent meeting of the National Association of Women in Construction-Wilmington Cape Fear Chapter. Her presentation focused on “Contract and Lien Disputes.”...
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. ...
Result
Mica Nguyen Worthy, Rebecca Knudson, and Ariella Zulman Assist in Complex Business Arbitration Matters for a Client That Resolved in a Two Day Global Mediation
Mica Nguyen Worthy, partner in International Business Practice Group in Charlotte, NC, Rebecca Knudson, partner in Wilmington, NC, and Ariella...
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Welcomes New Paralegals Kayla Pinkava and Tracy Smith
Cranfill Sumner LLP today announced that Kayla Pinkava and Tracy Smith have joined the firm’s Wilmington office. Kayla is a Legal Assistant and Paralegal, and Tracy is a Paralegal....
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
Cranfill Conversation Highlights Potential Changes to Community Association Law
Rebecca Knudson and Ryan Bostic presented the Cranfill Conversation, “Impacts of . ” on June 9....
Post
HOA Restrictive Covenants Impacts
The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently published an opinion in Bryan v. Kittinger that has the potential to impact...
News
Rebecca Knudson Named Vice Chair of Cranfill Sumner Construction Law Practice Group
Rebecca Knudson, an attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been named the Vice Chair of the firm’s Construction Law Practice Group....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Members of the Cranfill Sumner LLP offices participated in the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s 15th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 4. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was held virtually this year....
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
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2022 Legal Elite
Eight Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
News
Rebecca Knudson Presents at CLM Construction Conference
Rebecca Knudson presented at the 2021 Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) Construction Conference. ...
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....
News
Rebecca Knudson Participates in Habitat for Humanity Women Build Event
On May 8, Rebecca Knudson participated in the Women Build Event for Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. The event brings women from the Wilmington area together to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity....
News
Rebecca Knudson Speaks at CLE presented by the Mecklenburg Bar Association
Rebecca Knudson, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law), presented at an April 28, 2021 CLE entitled “Crescent University City Venture, LLC v. Trussway et. al: Ramifications and Practical Considerations for Commercial Litigation.”...
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
Rebecca Knudson Named Partner of Cranfill Sumner
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....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2021 Legal Elite
Five Cranfill Sumner attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
News
Cranfill Sumner 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....
Post
Top 10 Legal Concerns for Builders and Contractors
Builders and contractors often come to me with the same questions and concerns related to legal issues. Over the years...
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)....
Post
Top 5 Myths and Misconceptions About Operating Neighborhood Pools During Phase II
With summer in full swing, North Carolinians are looking for ways to beat the heat safely while navigating COVID-19 social...
News
Rebecca Knudson Featured on Legal Podcast
Rebecca Knudson, an attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was featured on the Objection to the Form podcast which is hosted by Justin Humphries, the Managing Partner of The Humphries Law Firm. Rebecca discussed negotiating residential construction contracts. The podcast is available at the following link and will be available on YouTube....
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
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
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2020 Legal Elite
Seven Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
News
Rebecca Knudson Earns Certified Litigation Management Professional Designation
Rebecca Knudson, an attorney based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), recently earned her Certified Litigation Management (CLMP) designation from Litigation Management Institute (LMI) offered by the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)....
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
Rebecca Knudson Participates in Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Women Build
Rebecca Knudson, an attorney in the Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) Wilmington office, participated in recent Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Women Build 2019 events....
Result
Rebecca Knudson Obtained Temporary Restraining Order
Rebecca Knudson (Wilmington) obtained Temporary Restraining Order freezing the assets of multiple companies in a business divorce action.
Result
Rebecca Knudson Obtained Summary Judgment for Homeowners Association
Rebecca Knudson (Wilmington) succeeded in obtaining Summary Judgment for a homeowners association in a declaratory judgment action concerning maintenance obligations...
Result
Rebecca Knudson Obtained Summary Judgment on Commercial Lease Dispute
Rebecca Knudson (Wilmington) obtained Summary Judgment on commercial lease dispute for client facing over $500,000 of liability on commercial lease...
News
Cranfill Sumner Offices Host Dress for Success Clothing Drives
Throughout the month of April, the offices of Cranfill Sumner LLP are hosting clothing and accessories drives to benefit Dress for Success. Dress for Success provides a network of support, professional attire and developmental tools to help women become financially independent and succeed in work and life....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participated at 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Attorneys from the offices of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 12thAnnual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 1....
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
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2019 Legal Elite
Six Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
News
Rebecca Knudson Recognized for Pro Bono Service to Legal Aid of North Carolina
Rebecca Knudson recently received an award from Legal Aid of North Carolina in recognition of her pro bono services to the organization’s clients. Rebecca has worked with Legal Aid of North Carolina for the past five years and has helped clients in practice areas including landlord-tenant law, employment law, and criminal expunctions....
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
Rebecca Knudson Participates in Habitat for Humanity Women Build Project
Rebecca Knudson, Of Counsel with Cranfill Sumner LLP, recently participated in the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Women Build Project in Wilmington. Rebecca helped build a home and raised funds to support the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Women Build 2018 project, which occurred May 5-12....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Featured in Insightful Discussion
Kara Gansmann and Rebecca Knudson recently participated in an Insightful Discussion for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. The article, “Legal Advice for Business and Personal Matters,” allowed Wilmington-area attorneys to answer reader questions about legal matters....
News
4ALL Statewide Service Day
Attorneys from the offices of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 11th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 2....
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
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
Colleen Shea and Rebecca Knudson Featured in WILMA Magazine
Colleen Shea and Rebecca Knudson are listed in the August 2017 edition of WILMA Magazine. The August Spotlight column lists the Wilmington attorneys featured in the 2017 Women in the Law by Best Lawyers Business Edition and includes a quote from Colleen about her experience as a female attorney....
News
Rebecca Knudson Joins Cranfill Sumner Wilmington Office
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced today that Rebecca Knudson has joined the firm’s Wilmington office as an Of Counsel Attorney. Knudson will focus her practice on construction law, civil litigation, business law, professional liability, and community association law. ...
