Commercial Real Estate Attorneys in Raleigh, Durham & Across North Carolina
For more than 70 years, Manning Fulton has helped clients navigate commercial real estate transactions and development projects throughout North Carolina. Our commercial real estate practice is built on a legacy that began with Charlie Fulton, who practiced real property law in Raleigh for more than fifty years and was widely recognized as one of North Carolina’s leading real estate attorneys.
Today, our attorneys continue that tradition by representing developers, investors, lenders, landlords, tenants, and business owners in transactions ranging from routine acquisitions and leases to complex development and financing matters. Having played a role in many of the Triangle’s most prominent real estate projects, we understand both the legal and business considerations that drive successful outcomes. Our approach is straightforward: we take the time to understand our clients’ goals, provide practical guidance, and help move projects and transactions forward efficiently and effectively.
Whether clients are acquiring a single property, developing a large-scale project, or managing a complex portfolio, we provide practical legal solutions designed to protect their interests and support their business objectives.
Our commercial real estate attorneys provide comprehensive legal counsel throughout the lifecycle of a real estate transaction, including:
Acquisition and disposition of commercial properties.
Title examinations, title certifications, and resolution of title defects.
We conduct thorough due diligence reviews to identify potential legal, financial, and operational risks, helping clients make informed decisions and address issues before moving forward with a transaction.
Commercial real estate financing, loan documentation, secured lending, and lender representation.
IRC Section 1031 like-kind exchanges
Commercial lease negotiation, drafting, and enforcement for landlords and tenants.
We advise developers, associations, owners, and investors on the legal issues surrounding condominiums and planned communities, from development and governance to compliance, operations, and dispute resolution.
We advise clients on easements, restrictive covenants, and other property rights matters, helping them understand, establish, enforce, and address restrictions that affect the use and development of real estate.
We guide commercial clients through real estate closings and transaction management, coordinating legal, title, and documentation requirements to help ensure a smooth and efficient transaction from contract to closing.
Acquisition, disposition, financing, and development of multifamily and mixed-use communities.
Loan modifications, debt restructuring, foreclosure proceedings, and distressed asset representation.
We advise clients on real estate joint ventures, helping structure partnerships, negotiate agreements, allocate responsibilities and risks, and address legal considerations throughout the life of the investment.
Representation in condemnation proceedings, eminent domain disputes, and property valuation matters.
Resolving disputes involving commercial property, contracts, title, boundaries, leases, and development projects.
Structuring and advising on qualified opportunity zone investments and development projects.
Partner with Manning Fulton
Commercial real estate projects require experienced counsel that understands both the legal complexities and the practical realities of getting deals done. Manning Fulton combines decades of real estate experience with responsive service and a commitment to helping clients achieve their objectives.
Whether you are acquiring property, securing financing, negotiating a lease, developing a project, or closing a transaction, our team is prepared to guide you every step of the way. Contact our Commercial Real Estate team to discuss your next project or transaction.
Who We Serve
Who We Serve
Our attorneys understand that every transaction is unique. We tailor our counsel to each client’s goals, risk tolerance, timeline, and long-term business strategy.
We represent a broad range of clients involved in commercial real estate transactions and development, including:
Commercial real estate developers
Developers planning, acquiring, financing, or building commercial real estate projects.
Property owners and investors
Owners and investors managing, acquiring, or disposing of real estate assets.
Private equity and investment groups
Investment groups pursuing real estate acquisitions, development, or joint ventures.
Commercial landlords and tenants
Landlords and tenants negotiating leases, renewals, or occupancy issues.
Financial institutions and lenders
Lenders financing real estate transactions, construction, or development projects.
Entrepreneurs and business owners
Business owners needing real estate guidance tied to operations, growth, or expansion.
Family offices
Family offices investing in or managing real estate assets.
Healthcare organizations
Providers and organizations developing, leasing, or acquiring healthcare-related property.
Industrial and manufacturing companies
Companies needing real estate support for facilities, warehouses, or operational space.
Retail and hospitality businesses
Businesses developing, leasing, acquiring, or operating retail, restaurant, or hospitality properties.
Related Professionals
Accolades
In a profession often measured by accolades, we remain focused on what endures: sound judgment, responsive service, and counsel that stands the test of time.
Recognized by Chambers & Partners USA
Manning Fulton’s Commercial Real Estate Practice Group and four attorneys were recognized in the 2026 Chambers USA Legal Guide.
2026
Real Estate practice group selected for North Carolina (Band 3) in 2024-2026
Chambers recognized the following attorneys:
- Mike Medford - Insurance NC (Band 1)
- Barry Mann - Real Estate NC (Band 4)
- Alison Cayton - Real Estate NC (Band 4)
- Doug Short - Real Estate NC (Band 4)
Best Lawyers in America®
Twenty-seven Manning Fulton attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® across a broad range of practice areas.
2027
Recognized attorneys
- Eugene F. Dauchert, Jr. - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Health Care Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Randolph M. Fletcher - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Real Estate Law; Tax Law
- Dieter Mauch - Employment Law Management; Labor and Employment Litigation
- Charles L. Steel IV - Corporate Law; Tax Litigation and Controversy; Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
- Reich L. Welborn - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Commercial Litigation; Corporate Law; Health Care Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Real Estate Law
- Holly B. Martin - Trusts and Estates
- Joseph B. Bass - Real Estate Law
- Stephen T. Byrd - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
- Alison R. Cayton - Commercial Finance Law; Real Estate Law
- William S. Cherry III - Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Employment Law Management; Insurance Law; Insurance Litigation; Real Estate Litigation; Labor and Employment Litigation
- Sandra Martin Clark - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law; Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
- James H. Clarke - Corporate Law; Healthcare Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Jessica L. Elliott - Real Estate Law
- William B. Gwyn, Jr. - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Commercial Finance Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
- Thomas I. Lyon - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law
- Barry D. Mann - Real Estate Law
- Michael T. Medford - Antitrust Law; Appellate Practice; Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Insurance Law; Antitrust Litigation; Insurance Litigation; Labor and Employment Litigation; Tax Litigation and Controversy
- Charles H. Munn - Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Kevin A. Prakke - Business Organizations; Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities Regulation
- Natalie M. Rice - Commercial Litigation
- Douglas J. Short - Real Estate Law
- William C. Smith, Jr. - Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights; Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Construction Litigation
- Ritchie W. Taylor - Business Organizations; Corporate Law; Franchise Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Jessica B. Vickers - Commercial Litigation; Insurance Law
- Jennifer L. Weaver - Business Organizations; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Trust and Estates
- Judson A. Welborn - Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Franchise Law; Banking and Finance Litigation; Construction Litigation; Land Use and Zoning Litigation; Real Estate Litigation; Tax Litigation and Controversy
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
Eight Manning Fulton attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
2027
Recognized attorneys
- Matthew Muntean - Business Organizations; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- J. Patrick Bailey, Jr. - Real Estate Law
- Angela C. Baldwin - Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Trusts and Estates
- Cecilia Barreca - Business Organizations
- Chris N. Bobby - Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law
- Lawrence D. Graham - Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Real Estate Litigation
- Corinne E. O’Reilly - Business Organizations
- B. Zack Taylor, Jr. - Real Estate Law
North Carolina Super Lawyers
Twenty-three Manning Fulton attorneys were recognized by Super Lawyers in 2026, including 17 Super Lawyers and 6 Rising Stars.
2026
Super Lawyers
- Joseph B. Bass - Real Estate
- Stephen T. Byrd - Estate & Probate
- Alison R. Cayton - Real Estate
- William S. Cherry III - Business Litigation
- Sandra Martin Clark - Estate & Probate
- William B. Gwyn Jr. - Business/Corporate
- Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen - Estate & Probate
- Thomas I. Lyon - Mergers & Acquisitions
- Barry D. Mann - Real Estate
- Michael T. Medford - Business Litigation
- Kevin A. Prakke - Securities & Corporate Finance
- Douglas J. Short - Real Estate
- William C. Smith, Jr. - Civil Litigation Defense
- Ritchie W. Taylor - Franchise/Dealership
- Jessica B. Vickers - Business Litigation
- Jennifer L. Weaver - Business/Corporate
- Judson A. Welborn - Business Litigation
- J. Patrick Bailey - Real Estate
- Angela C. Baldwin - Estate & Probate
- Chris N. Bobby - Business/Corporate
- Lawrence Graham, Jr. - Civil Litigation Defense
- Matthew P. Muntean - Business/Corporate
- B. Zachary Taylor - Real Estate
Business North Carolina “Legal Elite”
Fifteen Manning Fulton attorneys were recognized in Business North Carolina’s 2026 “Legal Elite,” with three additional attorneys named “Legal Elite Young Guns.”
2026
Legal Elite
- Mike T. Medford - Antitrust & Complex Business Disputes
- William C. Smith - Bankruptcy
- Judson A. Welborn - Construction
- Jennifer L. Weaver - Corporate Law
- Thomas I. Lyon - Corporate Law
- William B. Gwyn - Corporate Law
- William S. Cherry - Employment
- Jessica B. Vickers - Litigation
- Alison R. Cayton - Real Estate Law
- Douglas J. Short - Real Estate Law
- Joseph B. Bass - Real Estate Law
- Jessica Elliott - Real Estate Law
- B. Zachary Taylor - Real Estate Law
- Sandra M. Clark - Tax & Estate Planning
- Steve T. Byrd - Tax & Estate Planning
- Chris Bobby
- Lawrence D. Graham
- Matthew P. Muntean
Best Law Firms: Metropolitan Tier 1
The firm secured 26 ranked practice areas, with 19 of those achieving the highest Tier 1 status.
2026
Recognized in:
- Appellate Practice
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Business Organizations
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Commercial Finance Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Corporate Law
- Health Care Law
- Insurance Law
- Litigation – Construction
- Litigation – Insurance
- Litigation – Labor & Employment
- Litigation – Real Estate
- Litigation – Real Estate
- Litigation & Controversy – Tax
- Mergers & Acquisitions Law
- Real Estate Law
- Real Estate Litigation
- Tax Law
- Trusts & Estates Law
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