Alexander V. Cranford

He regularly counsels clients on drafting enforceable restrictive covenants, pursuing emergency injunctive relief against departing employees and competitors, and navigating the growing patchwork of state and federal restrictions on non-compete agreements.

In addition to this practice, Alex maintains an active workplace litigation docket, defending employers in wrongful termination, retaliatory discharge, discrimination, and harassment claims, including matters brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Act, in both administrative proceedings and state and federal courts.

• Represented a national landscaping business in a lawsuit for unpaid wages under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law. Secured a defense verdict in a bench trial as first-chair counsel.

• Represented a national food distribution company in a lawsuit filed by a former employee for race, national origin, and disability discrimination in the United States District Court. Secured summary judgment of all claims.

• Represented a large health care system in a race discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by a former employee. Secured summary judgment on all claims.

• Defended a hospital in state whistleblower retaliation lawsuit filed by a former employee in the United States District Court. Won summary judgment on all claims at the trial court.

• Represented a local demolition company in a wrongful termination suit in D.C. Superior Court. Secured dismissal as a sanction for inappropriate litigation conduct.

• Represented a large bioengineering firm in a lawsuit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets in the United States District Court. Secured a favorable settlement.

• Represented a large technology company in a claim for disability discrimination and harassment brought by a former employee. Plaintiff voluntarily withdrew the complaint after company filed a summary judgment motion.

• Represented a large restaurant franchise in a class action brought by former employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Obtained a favorable settlement.

• Represented a publicly traded automotive supply company in a discrimination and hostile work environment lawsuit filed by two former employees in the United States District Court. Secured dismissal of all claims.

• Represented a local fire protection company in a theft and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act lawsuit against a former employee who unlawfully stole and encrypted company data for use in subsequent employment. Secured a favorable settlement, which included the return of all company data.

• Represented a local credit union in a national origin discrimination claim made by a former employee in the United States District Court. Secured dismissal of the claim on procedural grounds.

• Represented a large automobile retailer in a lawsuit for unpaid commission in the United States District Court. Successfully moved to compel arbitration and obtained a favorable settlement.

• Selected to Maryland Rising Stars (2024 – 2026)
• Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America for Litigation – Labor and Employment (2024 – 2026); Labor and Employment Law – Management (2026)

• "Tenth Circuit Rules: Mandatory DEI Training Alone Does Not Create Hostile Work Environment" (June 2026)
• "FTC Puts Non-Competes Back in its Crosshairs and Raises the Stakes for Employer Non-Compete Practices" (May 2026)
• "Disability Accommodation Claims Surge, Raising Stakes for Employers" (April 2026)
• "Virginia Tightens the Screws on Non-Competes – Again" (March 2026)
• "Health Care Employers Get Ready: Virginia Mandates New Workplace Violence Incidents Reporting System Obligations" (May 2025)

• "Cannabis in the Workplace Symposium," Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (2024)

• What Employers Need to Know About New Maryland, Virginia, & Washington, D.C. Employment Laws (June 2026)
• The ADA's Interactive Process – Recent Developments and Best Practices for Employers (October 2025)

• 11 Baker Donelson Attorneys Named to 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers List; 14 Named to Maryland Rising Stars (December 19, 2025)
• Baker Donelson Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Listing (August 21, 2025)
• Baker Donelson Adds 17 Associates Firm-Wide (May 21, 2025)

• What Employers Need to Know About New Maryland, Virginia, & Washington, D.C. Employment Laws (June 18, 2026)
• The ADA's Interactive Process – Recent Developments and Best Practices for Employers (October 16, 2025)