Stephen Bell

Cranfill Sumner LLP is a full-service North Carolina law firm with attorneys serving clients across the globe. We represent clients who are engaged in simultaneous civil actions, criminal investigations and collateral litigation in state, federal and appellate courts.  The firm also represents clients in domestic and foreign government investigations, guides clients through regulatory and compliance issues, and handles complex business transactions.

Since 1992, the firm has been built on the foundation of teamwork, client service and reputation, and it continues that legacy today as it works to guide and counsel clients through each issue. Our depth of trial experience provides the unique perspective from which we counsel clients on proactive steps they can take today to navigate pressing issues, mitigate risk and develop effective legal and communications strategies before and after crises occur. If you find yourself faced with litigation, a government investigation, or regulatory or compliance issues, let us show you what our attorneys'​ collective experience as trial lawyers can do for you. For more information, visit www.cshlaw.com.

Stephen’s practice is focused on representing high-profile individuals and companies in complex white collar criminal and commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts and before administrative bodies. His work includes defense of white collar offenses and government investigations, government whistleblower actions and representation of qui tam relators, commercial litigation, class actions and multi-district litigation, securities litigation and arbitration, subrogation litigation, real property disputes, high-net-worth estate litigation, premises and product liability litigation, and professional liability litigation. His investigative and litigation matters routinely involve both criminal and civil aspects, whether that means simultaneously defending related civil and criminal matters or guiding clients through regulatory issues to prevent or mitigate criminal prosecution. Additionally, Stephen represents and advises litigants, stakeholders, and whistleblowers in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries. Stephen also acts as outside counsel to a number of businesses, guiding his clients through regulatory issues, risk-mitigation endeavors, and transactional matters. Stephen has a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating and has regularly been named a Super Lawyers’ Rising Star, a distinction reserved for 2.5% of practicing attorneys.

Stephen’s cases span the United States and often involve cross-border work, and he is admitted to the state and federal bars of North Carolina and South Carolina as well as the U.S. District Court and Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Stephen received his law degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Clemson University.