About Michael
Michael T. Medford: Experienced Litigation Attorney in North Carolina
For over 37 years, Michael T. Medford has established himself as a leading litigation attorney, providing expert legal counsel and aggressive representation to clients across a wide spectrum of complex commercial disputes and insurance matters. As a member of Manning Fulton’s distinguished litigation section, Mr. Medford brings a wealth of courtroom experience and a strategic approach to every case, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.
Mr. Medford’s extensive practice focuses on complex business litigation, including shareholder and partnership disputes, disputes arising from the purchase and sale of businesses, and claims related to business and legal malpractice. He is a recognized expert in resolving disputes involving lending agreements, employment law, securities law violations, and insurance coverage and procurement issues. His deep understanding of insurance law – representing insurance professionals, carriers, and businesses – allows him to expertly navigate intricate claims, policy interpretations, and coverage disputes.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Medford has handled matters in all three North Carolina federal district courts, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Business Court, and various state and administrative courts across North Carolina. His track record includes successful outcomes in complex litigation, arbitration, and mediation. He is a certified mediator in North Carolina, further demonstrating his commitment to effective dispute resolution.
Key Achievements & Recognition
Mr. Medford’s dedication to excellence and his impressive legal record have earned him numerous accolades, including induction as a Fellow into the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), a Trial Lawyer Honorary Society. He maintains an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, a testament to his superior legal skills and client service. He has been repeatedly recognized for his expertise, including being named Lawyer of the Year: Litigation – Insurance (Raleigh, 2025) and Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice (Raleigh, 2021). His work has also been highlighted through numerous “Recognized” designations in key practice areas, demonstrating his consistently high performance.
Areas of Expertise
Mr. Medford’s litigation practice encompasses a broad range of specialized areas:
- Commercial Litigation: He skillfully navigates complex business disputes, including shareholder disputes, partnership dissolutions, business acquisition and sales agreements, and legal malpractice claims.
- Insurance Law: With extensive experience representing insurance professionals and carriers, Mr. Medford excels in procurement, interpretation, and claims handling related to insurance policies – from initial coverage disputes to complex claims investigations.
- Employment Law: He provides robust defense against claims alleging breach of employment contracts, discrimination, sexual harassment, violations of restrictive covenants, wrongful interference with contractual relations, and ERISA disputes.
- Securities Law: Mr. Medford’s expertise in securities law allows him to represent clients involved in disputes related to securities fraud, violations of securities regulations, and investor disputes.
- Lending Disputes: He provides litigation support for disputes involving loan agreements, foreclosure actions, and collateral recovery.
- Bet-the-Company Litigation: He possesses significant experience in high-stakes litigation matters with substantial financial implications.
Litigation Experience – A Comprehensive Record
Mr. Medford’s courtroom prowess is underscored by his extensive experience across diverse legal forums. He has successfully litigated in:
- Federal Courts: All three North Carolina federal district courts.
- Appellate Courts: The U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Specialized Courts: The North Carolina Business Court.
- State Courts: Courts throughout North Carolina, including the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
- Administrative & Arbitration: Various administrative agencies and arbitration proceedings.
Commitment to Justice & Client Advocacy
Mr. Medford's deep understanding of the law combined with his commitment to meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy makes him a formidable opponent for any adversary. He is dedicated to providing zealous representation, protecting his clients' rights, and achieving the best possible outcomes in their legal matters. He is a certified mediator in North Carolina, further demonstrating his commitment to effective conflict resolution.
Professional Credentials
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (LCA)
- AV Rating – Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2003
- Recognized in Best Lawyers in America© (Commercial Litigation 2003-2015, Bet-the-Company Litigation 2010-2015, Labor & Employment Litigation 2012-2015, Antitrust Law 2015, Antitrust Litigation 2015)
- Included in North Carolina Super Lawyers (2007-2015) – Top 100 List (2010, 2012), Top 25 List (2014, 2015)
- Named in Business North Carolina magazine’s Legal Elite (Antitrust 2010-2013, Business Litigation 2006, Litigation 2009, 2010, 2012-2015)
Contact Information
City: Raleigh, State: North Carolina, Country: United States
Practice Areas
Case History
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Raleigh (2025)
- Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, Raleigh (2021)
- Recognized: Antitrust Law
- Recognized: Appellate Practice
- Recognized: Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Recognized: Commercial Litigation
- Recognized: Insurance Law
- Recognized: Litigation - Antitrust
- Recognized: Litigation - Insurance
- Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Recognized: Litigation and Controversy - Tax
- Special Focus: Breach of Contract
- Special Focus: Business Disputes
- Special Focus: Closely-Held Businesses
- Special Focus: Commercial Disputes
- Special Focus: Complex Litigation
- Special Focus: Insurance
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© in the areas of Commercial Litigation (2003-2015), Bet-the-Company Litigation (2010-2015), Labor & Employment Litigation (2012-2015) , Antitrust Law (2015), and Antitrust Litigation (2015)
- Recognized as a litigation star in the state of North Carolina and included in the 3rd edition of Benchmark Litigation, the Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys
- Included in North Carolina Super Lawyers (2007-2015), Top 100 List (2010, 2012), Top 25 List (2014, 2015)
- Named in Business North Carolina magazine's Legal Elite in the areas of Antitrust (2010-2013, 2015), Business Litigation (2006) and Litigation (2009, 2010,2012-2015)