Derek J. Allen

Allen, Derek J.

Contact Information

P: 828.348.6012
F: 828.348.6077
dja@wardandsmith.com

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82 Patton Avenue, Suite 300
Asheville, NC 28801
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Mailing Address:
 Post Office Box 2020
Asheville, NC 28802-2020

Practice Groups

Practice Concentrations

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Condemnation and Eminent Domain
  • Land Use and Zoning 
  • Local Government Administration

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Biography

Mr. Allen is leader of the Zoning and Land Use Planning Practice Group.  He primarily practices in the area of land use and development.  Mr. Allen frequently represents commercial and residential developers in all areas of their land use and development needs, including zoning and related matters.  As part of his practice, he regularly represents clients in legislative efforts before the North Carolina General Assembly as well as before local government boards and bodies.  Mr. Allen also counsels clients on state and local contracting and procurement matters.  He is a civil litigator with experience representing businesses and individuals in a broad range of corporate and related issues.

Admitted to Practice

  • North Carolina, 1997 
  • All state courts in North Carolina 
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina

Honors and Distinction*

  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2010-2012
  • The Business Journal of the Triad, 40 Leaders Under Forty Award
  • "Legal Elite," Business North Carolina, 2007-2008, 2010-2012
  • "Rising Star," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2009-2011
  • "Super Lawyer," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2010-2011 

Education

  • J.D., The University of North Carolina School of Law, 1997
  • B.A., Political Science and History, magna cum laude, with distinction, The University of North Carolina Asheville, 1993. Tennis Scholarship.

Professional and Community Affiliations

  • American Bar Association — Sections: Litigation; State and Local Government Law
  • North Carolina Bar Association — Sections: Arts, Entertainment & Sports Law Committee (past chair); Litigation; Young Lawyers Division (executive council); Zoning, Planning and Land Use (council member)
  • North Carolina Creditors Bar Association

* Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; www.businessnc.com/legalelite; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.