Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: Perry Safran ’81
Perry Safran ’81 of Raleigh is working in construction law at Safran Law Offices. He earned his bachelor’s degree from N.C. State University and came to Campbell Law in just its third year following its inception. Saffron in 2026 was selected to Business North Carolina’s Power List, which, the groups says, showcases the state’s most influential private-sector leaders. Safran is also a board member for the Centennial Authority, which was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1995 to study, design and provide a first-class, multi-purpose facility for the region, its website says.
Current Role: Attorney and founding partner at Safran Law Offices
Why Campbell Law?
Safran was working at his father’s construction company when that business was sued, and he got involved in the lawsuit, which effectively inspired the younger Safran to pursue a career in law. Though he considered other law schools, Safran believed Campbell Law offered the best fit. “I was in the third entering class, and I could not be happier about what happened. They gave me the path that I had hoped I could have, and without it, I would not be a lawyer.”
On practice
Considering his background and early experience, Safran says he was naturally drawn toward construction law. Elected to the Raleigh City Council in the 1980s, Safran has since added economic development to his practice.
A lesson that stuck
Safran refers to a quote from founding Campbell Law Dean Leary Davis, who said, “‘Listen first, talk second.’” “I use it every day,” Safran says, “and I try to teach it every time I get the chance. It helps you with clients because you really need to listen to them before you make a judgment.”
People who shaped you
Safran says without Davis he would not have gotten into law school. He says Davis was a mentor.
“He and I spoke when I applied,” Safran says. “I came with passion, and he answered the call. He said, ‘Here’s how you do it.’ Here’s how you come here and be who you can be.’ I’m not who I am today without Leary Davis’ influence.”
He also mentioned former Dean Patrick Hetrick, who served as dean from 1987-98 and was honored for his work on the 2006-2007 edition of the North Carolina Real Estate Manual, a textbook published by the N.C. Real Estate Commission. Hetrick also was the revising co-author of Webster’s Real Estate Law in North Carolina.
On being Campbell Law family
Safran’s son, Steven Safran, is a Campbell Law graduate. An uncle, John Safran, is also a lawyer.
“I am not the first generation in my family of lawyers,” Perry Safran said,”but I am the first in North Carolina.”
Safran added his firm — Steven has since joined him — is purposely small and boutique. “We not only like what Campbell did for me, we like what Campbell did for my whole family.”
Advice to current students
Again, Safran refers to Davis, “Listen first, talk second. It helps you with clients because you really need to listen to them before you make a judgment.”
Have a plan before you enter law school, he tells aspiring lawyers. “Develop it while you’re there. If you graduate, likely with a debt, and you’re starting your plan, it’s too late. I had a plan going in from day one, and I executed it the day I graduated. Then I took the bar exam and passed it and opened my construction law firm by myself in 1981.”
The next 50 years
Safran talked about places around North Carolina with a dearth of lawyers. What he calls “legal deserts.” Campbell works to fill those empty places with capable lawyers. “I think Campbell does that better than anybody. And I think they understand that better than anybody. And it’s significant because we’re making North Carolina lawyers that pass the North Carolina bar.”
Sidebar
Currently reading: “Reign of Secrets,” by former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark James Cain, “Bowling Alone, the Collapse and Revival of American Community” and “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande.
Most adventurous thing: “I’m a family person. This may sound crazy, but the most interesting thing I’ve ever done is marry my wife, Susan.”
Favorite Raleigh spot: Lenovo Center. “We won the Stanley Cup.”
Proudest moment: “I am super proud of my family. The proudest moments in my life are interacting with my family.”