Derek Allen Colvin

PRO

Derek Allen Colvin

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 16 years

Franchising Lawyer at Virginia Beach, VA
Practice Areas: Franchising, Contracts & Agreements, Trademark Application ... +10 more

780 Lynnhaven Pkwy Ste 400, Virginia Beach, VA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Derek

Biography

Practice Areas

13

Practice Areas

Franchising 42%

A majority of Derek's practice is focused on assisting franchisors and franchisees. He helps franchisors develop their FDD, maintain compliance, and resolve disputes. He helps franchisees with FDD review, negotiation, and business formation.

42%
Contracts and Agreements 15%

Derek focuses on driving business strategies following the axiom that successful deals happen quickly when business minded lawyers connect with leaders to generate profit while still protecting the company.

15%
Trademark Application 14%

Derek consults with clients, researches the viability of registering a potential mark, and manages all aspects of trademark application with the USPTO.

14%
Business 10%

Derek is the attorney your business needs. He can help on specific issues or serve your business as outside general counsel.

10%
Litigation 5%

Derek is a career litigator with proven success in presenting cases before Judges and Jurors. He is well respected among his peers and is known for his diligence, honesty, and commitment.

5%
Mergers and Acquisitions 4%

Manages all legal aspects of business Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). Works with law partner to facilitate dozens of joint venture agreements and asset purchase agreements each year.

4%
Corporate and Incorporation 3%

Derek is dedicated to ensuring his clients take the best first steps in the process of turning an idea into a business.

3%
Construction and Development 2%

Derek represents building suppliers on matters throughout the Commonwealth of VIrginia.

2%
Advertising 1%

Derek reviews online and print advertising materials and prepares disclaimers as Outside General Counsel.

1%
Commercial Real Estate 1%

Derek routinely reviews commercial leases and helps clients fight for fair terms.

1%
Lawsuits and Disputes 1%

In addition to his litigation practice, Derek manages (and avoids) disputes as Outside General Counsel.

1%
Licensing 1%

Derek provides licensing agreements incidental to other legal services.

1%
Trademark Infringement 1%

Derek handles evaluates claims of trademark infringement and makes initial demands as Outside General Counsel.

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2023 2022

Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 16 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Waldrop & Colvin

780 Lynnhaven Pkwy Ste 400, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452

thelawdept.com/

Derek A. Colvin

P.O. Box 9, Carrollton, VA, 23314

thelawdept.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Derek online.

Derek Allen Colvin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

5 star (33)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by KS | October 25, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

The Best Business Lawyer in Hampton Roads

Working with Derek Colvin at Waldrop & Colvin was an excellent experience. He was quick to respond, extremely knowledgeable, and achieved fast, effective results. I truly appreciated his professionalism and attention to detail. I’d confidently recommend him and Waldrop & Colvin to anyone in the Hampt...on Roads area looking for legal support in business formation, contracts, real estate, or dispute resolution.

Posted by Aaron | September 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Business attorney

I contacted several other attorneys about my situation and none would take it on. Derek Colvin stepped in, understood the issues right away, and guided me with clear, practical advice from day one. He was responsive, steady, and helped me navigate a tough process with positive results. I highly recom...mend Derek without hesitation.

Posted by anonymous | August 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

5 Star Franchise Agreement Review

We needed to review a franchise agreement to weigh the pros and cons, risks, etc. Derek is very personable, very knowledgable, communicates timely, and gives you his full attention. He was also instrumental in saving us the headache of researching and understanding specific laws for the type of busin...ess we were opening that may impact the agreement- which was helpful as we didn't think to ask that outside of our review of the contract. I would highly recommend choosing them!

Posted by Madison | July 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent!!

Working with Derek was an outstanding experience from start to finish. He was proactive, detail-oriented, and always one step ahead. From the moment we engaged his services, Derek made it clear that he was fully invested in our case and committed to achieving the outcome we hired him for — and he del...ivered exactly that. Derek stayed on top of every action item, kept us updated regularly, and made what could have been a stressful process feel incredibly simple and seamless. He handled the legal complexities behind the scenes and allowed us to focus on what mattered most, knowing we were in highly capable hands. His work ethic and dedication truly stood out. It was clear he put in the time, energy, and strategic thinking necessary to move things forward effectively and efficiently. We never had to chase him for updates — if anything, he was the one making sure everything stayed on track. If you're looking for someone who will go above and beyond, communicate clearly, and get results, we highly recommend Derek. He exceeded every expectation.

Posted by Will | April 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Honest and fair firm

I highly recommend this firm and Derek. They're honest and helped me resolve a very stressful lawsuit. They're not interested in racking up fees for their services.

See All Client Reviews

Derek Allen Colvin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Derek
Christopher Michael Bell headshot
Christopher Bell

Litigation lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"Derek and I worked together for several years in the Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, and then we continued to collaborate as prosecutors in neighboring jurisdictions for many more years beyond that. I have observed Derek in court dozens of times over the years, often in high-profile and high-pressure situations. Derek's legal knowledge and trial advocacy skills are unmatched. He will confidently and effectively resolve any legal issue before him, and I fully endorse Derek for any matter that requires litigation."

Marcus Khalid Mitchell headshot
Marcus Mitchell

Licensing lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Derek is a professional's professional. He is prompt, trustworthy, and honest as the day is long. I highly recommend him."

Ashby Leigh Pope headshot
Ashby Pope

Business lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Derek has always been straightforward, honest, and transparent in his dealings with me during our various interactions. He was also very responsive to communication."

Toni Michelle Colvin headshot
Toni Colvin

Litigation lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Derek has maintained a reputation for being an excellent advocate for his clients in the courtroom. As his spouse, I may be partial - but I also hear what other attorneys have to say. His hard work, ethics and abilities make him a great litigator and advocate for his clients."

Punitha Cloud headshot
Punitha Cloud

Business lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Derek Colvin. He takes considerable time to draft very detailed and thoughtful answers on trial evidence and business litigation at this forum for AVVO clients. His knowledge and experience benefits the legal community."

Nicholas David Renninger headshot
Nicholas Renninger

Business lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Derek for many years and can attest to his diligence, zealousness and commitment to advocating for his client and to achieving the best possible result in any situation."

John Allen Waldrop III headshot
John Waldrop

Franchising lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Derek is an outstanding lawyer. I hired him for litigation matters; however, I quickly learned that he can do so much more. His inquisitive nature drives him to ask all the right questions."

Andrew Russell Page headshot
Andrew Page

Corporate and incorporation lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Derek for many years. He is smart and resourceful. When we had court together, I knew I had to be prepared and ready to go to battle. But we also had a respect for each other through the trial and after. Derek will serve the legal profession and his clients well."

Frederick Daniel Taylor headshot
Frederick Taylor

Unknown lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Derek is a hard-working and talented attorney, well-respected in the legal community. Over the years, we have been on the opposite sides of many cases, and while a strong advocate for his client or position, is always responsive and a consummate professional."

Sean Patrick Domer headshot
Sean Domer

Unknown lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Derek is a knowledgeable and talented attorney who is well respected by his peers and adversaries alike. Having been involved in well over 100 cases with Derek as opposing counsel I can say he is diligent, zealous, responsive, and professional at all times."

View All Endorsements
Christopher Michael Bell headshot
Christopher Bell

Litigation lawyer

Marcus Khalid Mitchell headshot
Marcus Mitchell

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter George Siachos headshot
Peter Siachos

Unknown lawyer

Ashby Leigh Pope headshot
Ashby Pope

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Allen Kelly headshot
Eric Kelly

Trademark application lawyer

Michael Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland

Business lawyer

Punitha Cloud headshot
Punitha Cloud

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicholas David Renninger headshot
Nicholas Renninger

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick L. Bales headshot
Patrick Bales

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Allen Waldrop III headshot
John Waldrop

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Martin N. Speroni headshot
Martin Speroni

Litigation lawyer

Andrew Russell Page headshot
Andrew Page

Family lawyer

Sean Patrick Domer headshot
Sean Domer

Criminal defense lawyer

Frederick Daniel Taylor headshot
Frederick Taylor

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

Legal Eagle, Franchise Times

2021

5 Years of Service, City of Suffolk, Virginia

2014

5 Years of Service, City of Portsmouth, Virginia

2013

Service to Law Enforcement, City of Portsmouth Police Department

Work Experience

2022 - Present

Partner, Waldrop & Colvin

2021 - 2022

Assistant General Counsel, Loyalty, LLC

2015 - 2021

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office

2009 - 2015

Senior Assistant Commonwealths Attorney, Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

2008 - 2008

Summer Associate, White & Williams, LLP

2007 - 2007

Summer Intern, Vellines, Cobbs, Goodwin & Glass

Associations

2022 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern Distr

Admitted to Practice

2022 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Virginia State Bar

Member

2009 - Present

Supreme Court of Virginia

Admitted to Practice

2015 - 2022

Suffolk Bar Association

Member

2009 - 2015

Portsmouth Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

JTH TAX LLC d/b/a LIBERTY TAX SERVICE and SIEMPRETAX+, LLC v. BENJAMIN TEAFORD AND JOHN CARRIER

Amicably Resolved

JTH TAX LLC d/b/a LIBERTY TAX SERVICE and SIEMPRETAX+, LLC v. Angela K. Magee, et. al.

Dismissed - Voluntarily

JTH TAX LLC d/b/a LIBERTY TAX SERVICE v. PATRICK PEREZ

Amicably Resolved

Outside General Counsel to Franchisors

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

Pennsylvania State University

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

Old Dominion University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2020

Suffolk Police Training Fourth Amendment: Search & Seizure

2019

Suffolk Public Schools Gang Violence

2019

Suffolk Police Training Trial Preparation: Mock Trial

2019

Citizens Academy Civil Forfeiture

2018

Suffolk Public Schools Gang Violence

2018

Elementary School Presentation (Link for Example) Kids take Goldilocks to Court

Publications

2023

Small Business Currents 12 Legal Tips for Small Business Owners

2023

Waldrop and Colvin Legal Blog Tips for Finding the Right Franchise Opportunity

2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog Top 5 Contract Drafting Tips

2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog What Does A Franchise Attorney Do?

2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog How to Form An LLC in Virginia

2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog What Laws Apply When Starting a Franchise?

2022

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution