Ernest Clarke Dummit

I have enjoyed hard battles in the courtroom for more than 38 years.  On May 13th 2023 I celebrated 38 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 decades 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 businesses 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 19 lawyers in our Firm in 5 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.