I have enjoyed hard battles in the courtroom for more than 30 years. On May 13th 2015 I celebrated 30 years since I won my first jury trial in federal court. I routinely represents clients with issues varying from family law and divorce questions to criminal Jury trials. I have litigated for victims in cases ranging from simple auto negligence to medical malpractice and wrongful death cases.
I have enjoyed focusing our Firm on actual courtroom litigation for 30 years so we can settle without trial when possible, but we are always ready willing and able to litigate each case to the fullest. I have had extensive experience in district and superior courts, and in both State and Federal Courts. I know that the best way to resolve a case without litigation is to be prepared and come with the reputation that you try cases to the fullest conclusion. My grandfather taught me the phrase: “Walk softly but carry a big stick;” or as Ronald Reagan taught us all: “Peace through strength!” (on our website you can find a picture of a very young Clarke Dummit (1980) working on the campaign trail with then Governor Reagan.)
I have enjoyed staying ahead and on the cutting edge of legal issues teaching dozens of seminars to other attorneys on civil and criminal litigation. I have taught CLE seminars for The North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Wake Forest University and NBI related to the latest defenses, scientific literature, case law, and legal treatises in a wide variety of legal issues. I have been asked to appear as a commentator for News Channel 12 on legal issues and has taught cross-examination of law enforcement at a seminar in California.
After I received a B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1983, and a J.D. from Wake Forest School of Law in 1986, I went on to found and run several business and develop real-estate prior to founding Dummit Fradin. My years as an entrepreneur have helped me advise many clients going through divorces regarding the methods of valuing businesses and searching for hidden income through forensic accounting. I am very proud to be honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps; although the time I served our country was brief, being trained as a Marine changed my life more than any single event.
Today, in addition to litigating cases, I enjoy teaching and supervising 12 lawyers in our Firm in 3 offices across the State. We have developed a team approach which I learned in the Marines. We are only as strong as our weakest link, so we continue to find and recruit the best and the brightest. Our coordinated team approach to our litigation gives our clients access to great resources across the State.
I welcome a chance to meet and discuss your legal issue and see if our team is the best fit for you.
Practice areas
I tried and won my first DWI in 1985 while clerking during law school. Over the last 30 years I have represented thousands of clients in fighting convictions, and dealing with driving issues. It is important to not only know the legal issues in fighting, but also to know the nuances of sentencing and working with the DMV to get and keep driving privileges.
36 years, 2,000 cases
I have been helping clients keep their license and get their license restored for 30 years. I have learned the ins and outs of all aspects of fighting the Division of Motor Vehicles.
36 years, 30,000 cases
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NC | Active | 1986 | 06/23/2022 |
GA | Resigned | 1986 | 04/17/2022 |
updated
This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
updated
This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
updated
Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
Moderator | Moderator for the NCAJ DWI Seminar | 2013 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Trial Attorney | DummitFradin | 1986 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
North Carolina Advocates for Justice | 2003 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Advanced Trial Tactics | VOIR DIRE AND JURY SELECTION STRATEGIES | 2012 |
Applying the Rules of Evidence: What Every Attorney Needs to Know | EXPERT REPORTS AND SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE | 2011 |
The Criminal Defense Trial From Start to Finish | Cross Examination | 2010 |
Marketing Your Legal Practice | Implementing the Plan | 2008 |
Marketing For Your Practice | The Art of Rainmaking | 2007 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Wake Forest University | JD - Juris Doctor | 1986 |
Vanderbilt University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1983 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Criminal Defense Trial From Start to Finish | Cross Examination During Trial | 2016 |
"Basics of DWI" | Motions Practice | 2013 |
First Annual Masters in DWI | DWI - Complex Sentencing Issues | 2012 |
Advanced Trial Tactics | EFFECTIVE EXHIBITS AND COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY | 2012 |
Applying the Rules of Evidence: What Every Attorney Needs to Know | ETHICS | 2011 |
Essential Law Practice Management | Essential Law Practice Management | 2010 |
The Criminal Defense Trial From Start to Finish | Cross Examination | 2010 |
A Litigation Paralegal's Guide to Case Management | Legal research | 2009 |
Marketing Your Legal Practice | Implementing the Plan | 2008 |
Automobile Cases From Start to Finish | A Paralegal Perspective | 2008 |
Marketing For Your Practice | The Art of Rainmaking | 2007 |
The Criminal Defense Trial From Start to Finish | Guerilla Cross-Examination | 2007 |
Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues and Answers | Trial preparation | 2006 |
The Criminal Defense Trial From Start to Finish | Voir Dire | 2006 |
Plaintiff's Personal Injury From Start to Finish in North Carolina | Preparing the Demand Package | 2005 |
The Criminal Trial From Start to Finish in North Carolina: The Defense | Advanced Trial Strategies | 2005 |
Overcoming Your Fears: Utilizing Technology in Litigation | Computers in Court | 2004 |
The Criminal Trial From Start to Finish in North Carolina | Voir Dire | 2003 |
The Criminal Trial From Start to Finish in North Carolina | Expert Testimony | 2001 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
St. v. Veazey2, 689 S.E.2d 530 (2009) | Remanded to Trial level |
St. v. Veazey1, 191 N.C.App. 181 (2008) | Remanded to Trial level |
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Molly Brazil, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 3, 2022
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Clarke is a legal mastermind. He knows the law like the back of his hand and provides extremely thorough and diligent representation to all of his clients. You should feel extremely confident with Clarke as your attorney. I fully endorse this lawyer.
Dillon Quinn, Unknown Attorney on Feb 13, 2022
Relationship: Co-worker
Clarke is one of the most knowledgeable people I have met. He is a straight shooter who lets his clients know what their best option is. Whether it is business, criminal, or civil law, Clarke has an answer for it all.
Molly Brazil, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 3, 2022
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Clarke is a legal mastermind. He knows the law like the back of his hand and provides extremely thorough and diligent representation to all of his clients. You should feel extremely confident with Clarke as your attorney. I fully endorse this lawyer.
Dillon Quinn, Unknown Attorney on Feb 13, 2022
Relationship: Co-worker
Clarke is one of the most knowledgeable people I have met. He is a straight shooter who lets his clients know what their best option is. Whether it is business, criminal, or civil law, Clarke has an answer for it all.
Luis Maradiaga, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 10, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Clarke is an outstanding lawyer! He has a wealth of legal experience and knowledge. He is attentive and compassionate - his clients love him. A fearless litigator who never backs down from a fight. I strongly endorse this lawyer.
Megan Spidell, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 27, 2017
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Prior to joining Dummit Fradin, Mr. Dummit's reputation for creative trial techniques and arguments in Court preceded him. I witnessed him in Court, advocating with enthusiasm for his clients and taking on their individual plight as his own. Since joining the firm in 2013, I have had the opportunity to see this in more detail, as he attacks each case with years of research, knowledge and compassion for what he does. If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney, I highly endorse Mr. Dummit.
Marvin Hobson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 15, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
If you are faced with any type of legal issue and need someone to fight for your rights, Clarke Dummit is the attorney for you. Clarke fights tooth and nail for his client's and his vast litigation experience make him well-equipped to handle almost any legal matter. I strongly endorse this lawyer.
David McCleary, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 15, 2017
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I have had the opportunity to work for and learn from Mr. Dummit. His mastery of DWI law is unsurpassed. I would highly recommend this attorney.
Daniel Donovan, Civil rights Attorney on May 6, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Clarke and I successfully worked together on a Civil Rights violation case. Most attorneys would not have taken the case. However, Clarke's insight, experience and positive relationship with clients resulted in a very successful outcome.
Gavin Routt, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 5, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I worked for Clarke right after I graduated from law school. He taught me a great deal about the practice of law and he is without question the best DWI lawyer I've ever seen.
Frederick Adams, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Clarke for several years. He is a highly skilled DWI attorney, and he zealously advocates on behalf of his clients. I have seen him try many cases, and he does a great job for his clients.
Matthew Davenport, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
R. Brian Cloninger, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Eldredge, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
As a founding partner of his firm, Mr. Dummit is a highly skilled, compassionate, and dedicated attorney. He is highly respected in the field of DUI/DWI defense and has a positive track record for successfully defending many clients charged with DUI/DWI in North Carolina. I recommend this attorney.
Jason Smith, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 8, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Clarke Dummit is an excellent lawyer. He truly cares about his clients and is a master in the court room. When I have a question about DWI, Clarke is one of the lawyers I call. He is many things to me: teacher, friend, and at times mentor. He is highly ethical and fights for his client's rights. Look no further for an excellent advocate.
Harvey Barbee, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Clarke is an excellent attorney and a true fighter in the courtroom. He is extremely knowledgeable in the law and the rights of his clients and will not give up any ground to the State. If you need an attorney to stand up for you then you should look no further than Clarke and the Dummit Law Firm.
Travis Simpson, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Clarke Dummitt without reservation. I have had the opportunity to see his endless efforts over the years representing defendants. I don't think of Clarke as just a "DWI" lawyer, I refer to him as a skillful and professional "trial" lawyer.
Georgia Nixon, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Clarke is one of the leading DWI attorneys in the state. He is on the cutting edge of the constantly changing laws and always defends his clients to the fullest. He strives to mentor other attorneys to recognize the issues that face defendants in these cases.
Michael Fradin, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
One of the best DWI lawyers in the state. From the creative arguments to the courtroom advocacy, you won't find a better fighter. I endorse Clarke Dummit 100%.
Vincent Filliben, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Mr. Dummit is a leader in the field of criminal defense and DWI defense. I consider him to be the authority on DWI law in the State of North Carolina. Before I joined his firm's Charlotte office, Mr. Dummit was an attorney who I sought to emulate in the courtroom. I learned a tremendous deal from him prior to joining his firm, and have learned even more working with him. He is a tireless and passionate advocate who will truly fight for his client's rights. He is a true defender of rights and an asset to our legal community.
Jason Deane, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have found Clarke's knowledge of the North Carolina's complex DWI laws to be exceptional. In my opinion he is one to the top DWI attorneys in the state.
John Bryson, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Clarke is a leader in the DWI field in North Carolina. He has a State wide reputation as a top shelf DWI lawyer.
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