Maxwell Shafer

Maxwell Shafer is an attorney at Cranfill Sumner LLP whose practice focuses on commercial litigation and complex business disputes. He represents business owners, entrepreneurs, and companies when high-stakes relationships break down, providing steady guidance and strategic advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.

Max earned his law degree from William & Mary Law School and his undergraduate degree from Pensacola Christian College. He is admitted to practice in North Carolina and before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina.

Max advises clients in a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract, fraud, breach of warranty, and unfair or deceptive trade practices. He regularly assists businesses and employees with disputes involving employment agreements, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, and restrictive covenants. His experience also includes representing franchisees in disputes arising from franchise agreements and disclosure documents.

In addition, Max has developed experience in entrepreneurship-through-acquisition and mergers and acquisitions litigation. He represents buyers and sellers in disputes involving earnouts, indemnity claims, financial misrepresentations, and fraudulent transactions. These matters often involve life-changing financial stakes, and Max approaches them with careful preparation and a clear focus on client objectives.

Max also assists clients in construction litigation, representing general contractors and subcontractors in payment disputes, mechanics’ liens, construction defect claims, and bid disputes. He further advises businesses in commercial collections matters, helping clients recover unpaid invoices and enforce contractual rights while seeking to preserve valuable business relationships when possible.

Outside the courtroom, Maxwell Shafer leverages his litigation expertise to support clients with contract drafting and review, including commercial lease agreements. He has written amicus briefs on behalf of contractor associations and religious freedom advocates in state and federal appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Cranfill Sumner LLP
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• William & Mary Law School
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Pensacola Christian College
  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Awards & Badges