Patrick H. Flanagan

Pat Flanagan currently serves as the Chair of the firm’s Municipalities & Public Entities Practice Group and Vice-Chair of the Employment Practice Group. Before joining Cranfill Sumner, Pat served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps and as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. He is a member of all United States District Courts in North Carolina, the Fourth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.

Litigating cases for almost 30 years, Pat focuses his practice on municipal law, civil rights and government liability defense, and the defense of employers, both public and private. He also defends various types of premises liability claims and claims against homeowners associations, community management groups and non-profit organizations.

Pat has successfully defended public and private entities and individuals in numerous jury trials including wrongful termination; civil rights such as First Amendment, Fourth Amendment and excessive force; wrongful death; contract; defamation; breach of fiduciary duty; negligence; and premises liability. He follows through with his clients, in conjunction with the firm’s Appellate Group, when cases are appealed to the North Carolina and Federal Appellate Courts, and serves on the NCBA Appellate Practice Section. In addition, he has handled innumerable administrative cases in the EEOC, NCDOL, USDOJ, ESC and NCOAH.

Pat regularly meets with Managers, Councils, and Boards as a trusted legal advisor. Because he has significant depth and breadth of experience in his areas of expertise, including extensive jury trial experience, Pat sees the big legal picture quickly and provides his clients with actionable strategies to obtain the best outcome for them under the circumstances of each individual case.

Pat began his career with Cranfill Sumner in our Raleigh office and moved to the Charlotte office in 2002. While he enjoyed working in Raleigh and down east, he and his family love life closer to the mountains. He can be found every day walking with his wife of 30 years Leslie and their dogs, or playing sports, running, skiing, and watching their favorite sports teams (especially the Carolina Hurricanes) with his three now grown (almost) children, Houghton, Laney, and Eliza.

Articles, Presentations, and Publications

•“Litigation, Insurance & Immunities,” N.C. Municipal Attorneys Winter Conference, 2012
•“Handling the Police Liability Claim,” National Business Institute, 2011
•“Unemployment Compensation Update,” The Employers Association, 2011
•Various public risk and training seminars, 2009 - 2011
•“Free Speech Issues in the Workplace,” N.C. Municipal Attorneys, 2004
•“Interplay between Workers’ Compensation, ADA, and FMLA,” N.C. Association of Educators, 2002
•“Police Liability in North Carolina,” Lorman Seminar, 2002
•“REDA Claims and Due Process Issues,” N.C. League of Municipalities Conference, 2001

Accomplishments

•Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Employment Law (2021-2026)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Litigation - Labor & Employment (2026)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Civil Rights Law (2024)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Litigation - Municipal and Litigation - Insurance (2023)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Litigation - Municipal (2020, 2023)
•Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Litigation - Labor & Employment (2013 - 2026); Employment Law - Management (2015 - 2026); Civil Rights Law (2017 - 2026); Litigation - Insurance (2022 - 2026); Litigation - Municipal (2022 - 2026)
•Selected for inclusion inNorth Carolina Super Lawyers (2011-2020)
•Business NC Legal Elite (2015, 2017)
•Selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition

Most Recent Posts

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

Pat Flanagan Included in Employment Law Power List on NC Lawyers Weekly

Pat Flanagan, Vice Chair of the firm’s Employment Law Practice Group, was recently named to the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Employment Law Power List....

News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year”

Five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP were recently recognized as the Best Lawyers 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas. “Lawyer of the Year” is presented annually to one attorney in each practice area in each market....

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

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Discuss First Amendment Updates

Pat Flanagan and Jake Stewart served as presenters during the March 26 Harmonie Group webinar “Current Developments in Diversity and Civil Rights Law.”...

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

Pat Flanagan Honored by NC Lawyers Weekly Power List

Pat Flanagan was recently included in the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Employment Law Power List....

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 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

CSH Law Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition

Six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently named among the Best Lawyers 2024 “Lawyers of the Year.”...

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

Pat Flanagan Certified as Superior Court Mediator

Cranfill Sumner LLP today announced that Pat Flanagan recently completed training for Mediator Certification and is now a Certified Superior Court Mediator with the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission....

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

Pat Flanagan Receives Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition

Pat Flanagan of Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) was recently named the Best Lawyers 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for two categories in the Charlotte area including Insurance Litigation and Municipal Litigation. (Copyright 2022 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)...

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 Sumner Attorneys and Staff Volunteer for Bar Candidate Interviews

Attorneys and staff members of Cranfill Sumner LLP volunteered to perform bar candidate interviews for the NC Board of Law Examiners prior to the July 2022 bar exam....

Post

Public Entity Immunity Fact Sheet

Updated February of 2022 The resource below outlines various aspects of public entity immunity including statutes of limitations, damage recovery...

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. ...

Post

EEOC Issues Updated Guidance to Employers for COVID-19 Related Issues

EEOC Issues Updated Guidance to Employers for COVID-19 Related Issues In the wake of the new Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)...

News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Awards 2021 Core Value Awards

Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) today announced that four employees were honored with the 2021 Core Value Awards. The honorees are Richard Boyette, Pat Flanagan, Sam LaRoche and Charlotte Neville....

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

Pat Flanagan Speaks at Civil Rights Webinar

Pat Flanagan, an attorney at Cranfill Sumner, served as a featured speaker at the Harmonie Group Civil Rights Webinar on Jan. 19....

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. ...

Result

Patrick Flanagan and Stephanie Webster Obtained Favorable Summary Judgment Order in Use of Deadly Force Case

Patrick Flanagan (Charlotte) and Stephanie Webster (Charlotte) obtained Summary Judgment in an action involving allegations of excessive use of force...

News

Pat Flanagan Presents at Labor and Employment Law Seminar

On Oct. 30, Pat Flanagan spoke at the 36th Annual North Carolina/South Carolina Labor & Employment Law Program, which was presented by the North Carolina Bar Association. The day-long webcast featured attorneys discussing a wide range of topics about labor and employment law....

News

Paul Gessner Joins Cranfill Sumner Raleigh Office

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that Paul Gessner has joined the firm’s Raleigh office as Of Counsel. Gessner will join the Municipalities and Public Entities Practice Group and the Employment Law Practice Group....

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....

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

Pat Flanagan Speaks during Virtual Municipal Attorneys Conference

Pat Flanagan, a Partner in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), participated in a virtual panel discussion on Aug. 6. The panel was sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys....

News

Pat Flanagan Joins NCADA Board of Directors

Pat Flanagan, an attorney at Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been elected to the board of directors for the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA). Pat’s term begins in June 2020 and continues for three years....

Post

4th Circuit Holds Police Are Not Entitled to Qualified Immunity After Shooting a Secured, Incapacitated Suspect; Supreme Court Refuses to Reexamine the Doctrine in Unrelated Matters

In a recently published opinion, the Fourth Circuit held that even if the City could not be liable under a Monell theory,...

Post

Updated EEOC Guidelines for Getting Back to Business

As North Carolina continues to reopen, many employers are searching for guidance to protect themselves and their employees from COVID-19...

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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...

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

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyers of the Year” Recognition

Four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently named the Best Lawyers 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” for their respective practice areas in their local metropolitan area. (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)...

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 Charlotte Volunteers at Men’s Shelter

Last week, members of the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP recently served 300+ lunches at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in the Charlotte Metro region. The organization operates two shelters in Charlotte including more than 400 beds and also provides counseling and training to help occupants find employment and housing....

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

Pat Flanagan to Serve on NCBA Committee

Pat Flanagan has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the NCBA’s Appellate Practice Section Council. His term will end in 2021....

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

Pat Flanagan to Chair NCADA Employment Law Section

Pat Flanagan, Chair of the Employment Law Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently appointed to serve as Employment Law Section Chair of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys....

News

Pat Flanagan Presents at NCAPA Annual Conference

Pat Flanagan, a Partner based in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, presented at the March 12 North Carolina Association of Police Attorneys annual conference....

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

Flanagan and Shere Present at NCADA Seminar

Two Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys will be featured speakers at the upcoming 2017 Fall Seminar for Insurance Claims Managers & Defense Counsel. The seminar is presented by the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA)....

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

Pat Flanagan Presents about ADA Regulations at NCRLA Meeting

Pat Flanagan, an attorney in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, spoke recently at the Charlotte Chapter Meeting of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA)....

Result

Summary Judgment Affirmed on Appeal for Commercial Developer in Complex Construction Case

Patrick Flanagan and Mica Worthy (Defense Counsel), and Jaye Bingham-Hinch (Appellate Attorney) obtained summary judgment and dismissal of a complex...

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

Patrick Flanagan Addresses MCB CLE Event

Patrick Flanagan, an attorney in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, served on a panel about “Voir Dire and Direct Examination” during a CLE event presented by the Mecklenburg County Bar. The day-long session featured training sessions for trial attorneys and their staff members....

News

26 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2017

Twenty-six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017 (Copyright 2016 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....

News

Flanagan and Hartzog Present at Municipal Attorneys Conference

Pat Flanagan and Dan Hartzog, Jr. served as speakers for the North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys Summer Conference. The event took place on Aug. 4-6 at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville....

News

Pat Flanagan Presents Employment Law Tips for Hospitality Industry

On June 14, Pat Flanagan presented “10 Ways to Get Sued & How to Avoid Them” at the Charlotte Employment Law Session meeting of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association....

News

Pat Flanagan to Discuss Sign Regulations at NC Bar Seminar

Pat Flanagan is speaking today at the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2016 Government & Public Sector Section Annual Meeting. He will present “Sign Regulations: The Implications of Reed v. Town of Gilbert.”...

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....

News

28 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2016

Twenty-eight attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2016....

Result

Cranfill Sumner Defends Appeal on Behalf of Municipality

Cranfill Sumneryers prevail in appeal on case in which two subcontractors died while working on a water line project owned by a municipality. Summary judgment was granted in favor of the municipality in the Superior Court case....

News

Attorneys to Speak at ABC Construction Conference

John Ong, Pat Flanagan and Nick Valaoras will be the featured speakers at a panel discussion for the Associated Builders...

News

Patrick Flanagan to Speak at RMS Regional Spring Meetings

Patrick Flanagan will speak on employment law issues at the Risk Management Services Regional Spring Meetings. ...

News

20 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Cranfill Sumner announced that 20 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and North Carolina Rising Stars lists....

News

Five Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2015 Legal Elite

Five Cranfill Sumner attorneys in its Raleigh, Charlotte and Wilmington offices were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as Legal Elite...

News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition

Cranfill Sumner is proud to announced that nine of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition....

News

24 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2015

Twenty-four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America....

Result

Flanagan and Worthy Obtain Dismissal of All Claims Against Condominium Association

Pat Flanagan and Mica Worthy obtained a dismissal of the case against a condominium association that was sued when the community voted for and approved a special assessment for renovations, as the complex was in a state of disrepair such that the Town Building Inspections had deemed it condemned....

News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Present About Sweepstakes Law

Patrick Flanagan and Dan Hartzog, Jr. spoke the legal issues involved with internet sweepstakes cafes which are currently affecting local NC governments. ...

News

21 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List

Cranfill Sumner announced that 21 of its attorneys are selected for inclusion in the 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2014 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....

News

25 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2014

Cranfill Sumner is proud to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America ....

News

24 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected as 2013 North Carolina Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

Ten Cranfill Sumner attorneys were selected as 2013 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 14 Cranfill Sumner attorneys were selected as 2013 North Carolina Rising Stars....

News

23 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2013 Edition

Twenty-three lawyers from Cranfill Sumner were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2013...

News

Four Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Recognized Among Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite

One of the largest civil defense firms in NC, announced that four attorneys were recognized by Business NC magazine as part of its Legal Elite program....

Result

Cranfill Sumner Successfully Defends Town Facing First Amendment Retaliation Claim

Pat Flanagan and Meagan Kiser obtained summary judgment on behalf of a town and it’s Manager on a first amendment retaliation claim, based on defenses of qualified immunity and policy making....