Samuel H. Poole, Jr. (Lee) began his legal career in the Raleigh office of the firm over twenty years ago. Fifteen years ago, Lee was selected to open a Charlotte office for the firm. Lee has been a partner for many years, and he continues to practice in the Charlotte office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog in the area of litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Lee obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.Lee has tried numerous cases to a verdict in North Carolina’s Superior Court, presented oral arguments to the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Lee has also successfully defended clients in binding arbitrations and has argued dispositive motions and other matters in both federal and state courts.Representative MattersCases or matters referenced do not represent the lawyer’s entire record. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer’s or a law firm’s past results.
Represented, as co-counsel, a nursing home in Mecklenburg County in which Plaintiff alleged negligent care resulted in Stage IV decubitus ulcers and sepsis. The jury returned a verdict of no negligence.
Represented a company in a premise liability/negligent security case and two week trial, resulting in a defense verdict, where plaintiff alleged that jewelry valued in excess of 1.2 million dollars was stolen.
Represented a large trucking company in a two-week jury trial in Lincoln County in which a defense verdict was obtained based on “sudden emergency.”
Represented, as co-counsel, a professional sports team and obtained a stay of proceedings in state court against the team on a personal injury action filed by a former player. Case was dismissed in arbitration. Presented oral arguments to NC Court of Appeals in support of stay and dismissal. Trial court’s decisions were affirmed.
Represented an LLC in a six- to seven-week trial brought by seven landowners who lived in the immediate vicinity of the client’s operation. Plaintiffs sought damages in the neighborhood of $1 million dollars and the court’s final award was $75,000.
Represented, as co-counsel, an OB/GYN group in a malpractice claim in which our firm was able to convince the plaintiffs’ attorney to take a dismissal of the action based on the testimony of our physicians and the child’s treating physicians.
Represented a general contractor in a three-day binding arbitration regarding water intrusion into a commercial building, as co-counsel, on a counterclaim for damages in the amount of roughly $250,000. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the client/construction company.
Successfully represented an insurance carrier in a UIM/wrongful death arbitration before a three-person panel of arbitrators.
Represented, as co-counsel, a southeastern US law firm in federal court and obtained a dismissal of malpractice action seeking class action status and damages in excess of 5 million dollars.
Articles, Presentations, and Publications
“Basic Anatomy for Litigators”, CSH Events
“Workers’ Compensation, Civil Litigation and the Twilight Zone”, CSH Events
Professional, Civic and Community Activities
North Carolina Bar Association, Member
Mecklenburg County Bar Association, Member
North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, Member
Defense Research Institute, Member
Myers Park United Methodist Church, Lay Ministry Team Member
House Corporation for UNC Sigma Chi chapter, Member
Accomplishments
Maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell, the most prestigious peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached the highest levels of skill and integrity.
Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Commercial Litigation: 2013 – 2015
Selected by North Carolina Super Lawyers® as a Super Lawyer: 2010 – 2015
Selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition
Eagle Scout
