Atty. Derek J. Allen

Atty. Derek J. Allen

Derek is a leader in Alcoholic Beverage Law, Real Estate Development, and Zoning and Land Use. He has extensive experience with craft breweries ranging in size from small startups to those with international distribution.

Asheville Asheville 29 yrs experience 29 year
Call (828) 579-2640 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Derek J. Allen at a glance

Derek J. Allen is a Co-Managing Partner based in Asheville, North Carolina, practicing at Allen Stahl + Kilbourne. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on business, zoning, and litigation. Educated at The University of North Carolina School of Law (J.D., 1997) and The University of North Carolina Asheville (B.A. Political, 1993). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Asheville, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Derek is a leader in Alcoholic Beverage Law, Real Estate Development, and Zoning and Land Use
  • He has extensive experience with craft breweries ranging in size from small startups to those with international distribution
  • His practice includes representation of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries in a wide range of permitting, regulatory, and trade issues
  • Additionally, Derek has experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, jury trials, and appeals
  • He advises clients and litigates cases involving all forms of commercial, business, development, and real property disputes in state and federal courts
  • He has litigated numerous matters concerning land use issues at the trial and appellate levels
  • Derek also has experience litigating corporate and partnership disputes before the North Carolina Business Court
  • He routinely appears in front of city and county governmental bodies
  • Derek also works with other regulated industries, including the hemp and CBD markets, both in North Carolina and beyond
  • He regularly partners with hemp farmers, processors, extractors, product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers to address their unique legal needs
  • Derek also assists indirect industry participants, including brokers, consultants, marketing agencies, lenders and financial institutions, and other suppliers and vendors in this quickly changing market space

AWARDS

  • • AV® Preeminent Rated since 2010 • "Lawyer of the Year," Best Lawyers, 2015, 2020 • The Best Lawyers in America, 2010-2022 • "Super Lawyer," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2010-2011, 2019-2021 • "Rising Star," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2009-2011 • The Business Journal of the Triad, 40 Leaders Under Forty Award, 2005 • "Legal Elite," Business North Carolina, Young Guns 2007-2008, Real Estate 2010-2013, Litigation 2022 ARTICLES: • Mountain Xpress, "Brewery Attorney Derek Allen considers Asheville's beverage industry in 2019," December 31, 2019 PODCASTS: • Craft Beer Professionals, "Rapid Fire Legal," March 7, 2022 PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS: • North Carolina State Bar • Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce • Leadership Asheville Alumnus, Class XXIX • Asheville Brewers Alliance , Board Member • Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Board Member 2012-2018 • Buncombe Bar • Brewers Association Associate Member • Community Associations Institute • Diana Wortham Theatre, President 2019, Member, Board of Directors • LEAF, President 2018-2019, Member, Board of Directors • North Carolina Bar Association • Committee: Arts, Entertainment & Sports Law Committee, Former Chair • Sections: Litigation
  • Zoning, Planning and Land Use, Former Council Member • North Carolina Craft Museum, Board Member • North Carolina Creditors Bar Association • North Carolina Economic Developers Association • The University of North Carolina at Asheville Foundation Board, Member, Executive Committee • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Member, Board of Directors • Western North Carolina Green Building Council, Board Member

Practice Areas Explained

Derek J. Allen's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derek J. Allen handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Derek J. Allen is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in North Carolina →

Land Use & Zoning

Derek J. Allen is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in North Carolina →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Derek J. Allen is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Asheville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Asheville or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Derek J. Allen

Where is Derek J. Allen's law office located?
Derek J. Allen's law practice is located in Asheville, North Carolina. The firm is Allen Stahl + Kilbourne. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Derek J. Allen handle?
Derek J. Allen focuses on business, zoning, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
How long has Derek J. Allen practiced law?
Derek J. Allen has 29+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1997.
Where did Derek J. Allen go to law school?
Derek J. Allen earned their education at (J.D., 1997); (B.A. Political, 1993).
How can I contact Derek J. Allen for a consultation?
You can contact Derek J. Allen directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Derek J. Allen received?
Derek J. Allen's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
The University of North Carolina School of Law
- 1997
B.A. Political
The University of North Carolina Asheville
- 1993

Awards

AV Preeminent

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