Commercial Leasing
Commercial Leasing Attorneys Serving Raleigh, Durham, the Triangle, and Throughout North Carolina
Commercial leases are often among the most important and complex agreements a business or property owner will enter into. Whether leasing retail, office, industrial, healthcare, or mixed-use space, the terms negotiated at the outset can significantly impact long-term operations, profitability, and risk.
For decades, Manning Fulton has represented landlords and tenants of all sizes and sophistication in their commercial leasing transactions across North Carolina. Having negotiated millions of square feet of commercial leases, our attorneys understand the legal, financial, and operational considerations that drive successful leasing arrangements.
We work closely with clients to structure agreements that protect their interests, minimize risk, and support their business objectives. From initial lease negotiations through amendments, assignments, renewals, and dispute resolution, we provide practical guidance at every stage of the leasing relationship.
Our commercial leasing attorneys advise clients on a broad range of leasing matters, including lease negotiations, drafting and advising clients to ensure they understand the lease, specifically the following:
- Retail, office, medical office, and industrial leases
- Mixed-use development leasing
- Shopping center leasing
- Warehouse and flex leases
- Ground leases
- Build-to-suit lease transactions
- Sale-leaseback transactions
- Lease disputes and terminations
- Lease assignments and subleases
- Modifications and amendments to existing leases
Our attorneys focus on identifying potential issues before they become problems, helping clients negotiate clear agreements that align with their operational and financial goals.
Partner With Manning Fulton
Commercial leasing transactions often shape the future of a business, property, or development project. Whether you are negotiating a new lease, renewing an existing agreement, or navigating a complex leasing issue, having experienced counsel can help provide clarity and confidence throughout the process.
At Manning Fulton, we take the time to understand our clients’ goals and provide practical guidance tailored to their unique circumstances. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing both landlords and tenants across a wide range of industries and property types. If you are considering a commercial leasing transaction or have questions about an existing lease, we welcome the opportunity to learn more about your needs and discuss how we can help.
Who We Serve
Our experience spans transactions involving everything from local businesses and growing companies to national retailers, restaurant chains, research facilities, and large-scale commercial developments.
We represent a diverse range of clients involved in commercial leasing transactions, including:
Commercial Landlords & Property Owners
Owners leasing, managing, or repositioning commercial property for business, retail, office, medical, industrial, or restaurant use.
Real Estate Developers
Developers negotiating leases and occupancy arrangements as part of new construction, redevelopment, mixed-use projects, or commercial real estate investments.
Retailers & Restaurant Operators
Businesses securing storefront, shopping center, restaurant, or hospitality space with lease terms that support daily operations and long-term growth.
Medical & Healthcare Providers
Providers leasing office, clinical, or healthcare-related space with operational, regulatory, and build-out needs.
Industrial & Manufacturing Companies
Companies leasing warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or industrial space for production, storage, logistics, or operational use.
Office Tenants & Corporate Users
Businesses negotiating office leases, renewals, expansions, relocations, or other workplace-related real estate needs.
Startups & Emerging Businesses
Growing companies entering new leases or expanding into larger commercial spaces.
Family-Owned Businesses
Privately held businesses leasing property for long-term operations, growth, or transition planning.
Investment & Ownership Groups
Investors and ownership groups managing commercial lease portfolios, tenant relationships, or property-related transactions.
National & Regional Companies
Larger companies negotiating commercial leases across North Carolina or in connection with broader business expansion.
Related Professionals
Accolades
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
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)
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
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
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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