Courtney N. Saunders

Courtney represents clients in complex commercial disputes in federal and state courts, bringing a hands-on approach to every stage of litigation. She is actively involved from early case strategy through trial preparation, handling motion practice and drafting pleadings, briefs, discovery, and client communications. Her practice centers on highstakes matters involving contract disputes, shareholder and partnership conflicts, antitrust claims, unfair and deceptive trade practices, intellectual property, and employment issues. 

Prior to joining Michael Best, Courtney gained experience across advocacy, judicial, and litigation settings. She served as a student practitioner in the UNC School of Law Military and Veterans Clinic, where she supported veterans pursuing VA benefits appeals by conducting legal and factual research, analyzing military and medical records, maintaining regular client communication, drafting briefs, and representing veterans in administrative hearings and appellate proceedings. 

Courtney also interned with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina and the North Carolina Court of Appeals, where she conducted legal research, prepared bench memoranda and recommendations for chambers, observed hearings and trials, and drafted judicial opinions.  

Earlier in her career, she worked as a litigation paralegal at an international law firm, supporting complex commercial litigation at all stages, including providing real-time trial support during a week-long proceeding before the International Trade Commission.