Licensed for 14 years

State VA

Acquired 2009

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Derek Allen Colvin

Franchising Attorney at Virginia Beach, VA

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Franchise Owner

Hired Attorney

About Derek

Learn Derek’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Franchising

50%

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.
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Litigation

25%

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.
Business

5%

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

5%

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.
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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.
Mergers and acquisitions

3%

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.
Construction and development

2%
Trademark application

2%

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

1%

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

1%

Derek provides criminal defense litigation for select clients.
Lawsuits and disputes

1%

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

1%

Derek provides licensing agreements incidental to other legal services.
Trademark infringement

1%

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

Derek is a graduate of Penn State Law and Old Dominion University. He started his legal career in public service as a prosecuting attorney before entering private practice. He currently serves as managing partner at Waldrop & Colvin, the law department for your business. He is laser-focused on delivering efficient and effective solutions for business legal needs.

Awards

Client's Choice

2023 2022

Photos and videos

Contact Derek

Waldrop & Colvin

(757) 854-9462 Mobile

780 Lynnhaven Pkwy Ste 400

Virginia Beach, VA, 23452

thelawdept.com/

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Waldrop & Colvin

(757) 854-9462 Mobile

100 Main Street

Ste. 110

Smithfield, VA, 23430

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

21 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Ted | May 23, 2023

Franchise Owner

Mr. Colvin assisted with the review of a Franchise FDD document and forming a LLC business entitiy. He was through and responsive throughout the process. The pratice offered more than fair pair. I intend to utilized my Colvin's services in the future.

Posted by Beth | March 10, 2023

Hired Attorney

We used Mr. Colvin's legal services to purchase a franchise. Mr. Colvin worked directly with the franchisor to provide the necessary documentation while looking after our best interests and keeping us informed of the progress. Mr Colvin is patient, knowledgeable and explains legal matters in an understandable way. We will continue using his services by providing legal counsel for our franchise. I would highly recommend Mr Colvin.

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Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2023

Director, Sony Pictures Entertainment

I highly recommend! Their expertise and professionalism made the legal process seamless and stress-free. Their attention to detail and personalized approach exceeded my expectations. 5 stars all the way!

Posted by Alberto | February 7, 2023

Great support

Derek is a true professional & business partner. His expertise has helped our company saved thousands of dollars each month, provide the expertise we need to protect both the brand and our franchisees.

Posted by Phillip | February 6, 2023

Business Owner and Manager

Attorney Derek Colvin has done excellent work for me and my family in representing us regarding our franchise pursuit. He has provided us in-depth knowledge and understanding as to what our risks and legal obligations are - particularly those that are not readily apparent in the Franchise Agreement or the FDD. He has helped us by advocating on our behalf and making recommendations on what terms to negotiate. I highly recommend Attorney Colvin. to anyone seeking to buy a franchise or to initiate a franchise.

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Posted by Jack | February 4, 2023

CFO

Attorney Colvin has always been very responsive to our needs. He is extremely competent and if there is an issue he needs to research, he does so quickly and thoroughly. I will not hesitate to recommend him to any of my colleagues.

Posted by Solomon | February 3, 2023

Great info and bedside manner

Very responsive and knowledgeable Generous with his time A real pro to work fit I wish all my professionals were this good!

Posted by Neal | February 3, 2023

Highly Effective

My personal experience working along side Derek as an attorney was great. We handled several cases together and Derek was always very well prepared and educated on every issue, large or small. A very hard worker that I would not hesitate to recommend to any of my friends or family!

Posted by Rocco | September 23, 2022

Great to work with

We've had many cases against one another. He is honest and easy to work with. He knows the law and evaluates cases properly.

Posted by Larry | September 1, 2022

Flexible, responsive, and very helpful

I hired Mr. Colvin to help with a few of my business needs. He has been flexible with meetings, offering to meet via phone, zoom, or in-person. He responds quickly to emails, texts, and on the rare occasion that he hasn't answered a call, he has returned calls quickly.

Posted by Amir | August 30, 2022

Review for Derek Allen Colvin

I was happy to work with Derek. He is a professional and it is immediately clear, he asks the right questions and understands the case in very detail, helping and giving the necessary recommendations. He professionally prepares documents, specifying all the necessary points, looking at the problem from different sides and different scenarios, making the right points. This is very rare to find, so Derek is a true professional of his job. I recommend him for the work at all 100000%

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Posted by ENEIDA | August 30, 2022

Will definitely use in the future!

All the other lawyers I spoke with wanted too much money and couldn't tell me how many working hours it would take so I had no idea of how much my bill was going to end up being, also didn't answer my questions fully unless I paid for a consultation. Derek however offers free consultations and even provided additional information that I haven't even thought about, He had a standard reasonable flat fee and was honest by telling me If something was simple enough that I can do myself to save me money. He was so friendly, easy to talk to but professional all at the same time. He will definitely be my business lawyer once I get up and running. I am so happy to have found him.

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Posted by Sandy | August 27, 2022

Highly Recommend

I have worked with Derek on many deals now. He has always delivered in a timely manner and very respectful of my time too. Derek's integrity, knowledge and compassion is refreshing. He is extremely professional and courteous.

Posted by MJ | August 26, 2022

Contracts/Disclosure Documents

Derek took the documents I submitted and made sure that my company would not be held liable for the other company we were negotiating with and their short comings! Derek was able to level the playing field for my small company and their huge company! I could have easily just signed it without understanding how I could have been liable and easily lost a huge amount of money and credibility in my business! I will recommend Derek for his professionalism and huge value add for all your business endeavors!

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Posted by MATTHEW | August 26, 2022

The best

If you want white glove service Derrick is amazing. Him and his team get it done .

Posted by Eric | August 24, 2022

Trust and preparation

Derek Colvin provided my wife and I with invaluable legal representation. managing a quite nuanced situation professionally and appropriately. As counsel he was effective in getting a positive outcome quickly for us. He was thorough in his preparation and went above and beyond to answer questions and to keep us informed. I whole heartedly recommend and if ever the need arises again, I will look to Derek first.

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Posted by Elizabeth | August 12, 2022

Highly recommend Mr. Colvin

As our counsel, Mr. Derek Colvin responded to two legal issues for my family. Derek patiently answered all of our questions and thoroughly explained our defensive strategy, letting us know what to expect and the next steps. He is professional and communicated well, and we felt reassured to have him as our legal representation. We got a good outcome on both issues as Derek successfully resolved the complaints. We highly recommend Derek.

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Posted by John | July 15, 2022

General Counsel

Derek is an outstanding lawyer who works tirelessly to complete each assignment. He takes time to listen to the client and grasp the goals. He is great at researching the law and applying it to the facts. Derek points out the strengths and weaknesses to deliver an accurate value of the case.

Posted by Jake | July 15, 2022

Peace of mind

Great attorney. Derek’s dedication to handling the complex legal issues I have encountered is second to none. Quick responses and easy to communicate with. I didn’t want an attorney that told me what I wanted to hear I wanted an attorney to get me where I needed to be. That’s exactly what I got with Derek Colvin along with some much needed peace of mind.

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Posted by Sharon | July 14, 2022

Effective Litigator

For approximately seven years, I worked in conjunction with Derek A. Colvin as his Victim/Witness Assistant Director. We were in court together numerous times per week, during which time I observed him prosecute all types of criminal cases. I found him to always be prepared, knowledgeable, and extremely thorough. He returns phone calls to victims, witnesses, and other attorneys promptly, stays ahead of deadlines, and is meticulous to detail. If he represents you in any type of legal capacity, you are in good hands.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.4 (Excellent)

Work Experience

Partner
Waldrop & Colvin
2022 - Present

Assistant General Counsel
Loyalty, LLC
2021 - 2022

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney
Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
2015 - 2021

Senior Assistant Commonwealths Attorney
Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
2009 - 2015

Summer Associate
White & Williams, LLP
2008 - 2008

Summer Intern
Vellines, Cobbs, Goodwin & Glass
2007 - 2007

View all work experience

Education

Pennsylvania State University
JD - Juris Doctor
2009

Old Dominion University
BS - Bachelor of Science
2006

Legal Cases

Outside General Counsel to Franchisors

Associations

United States District Court for the Eastern Distr
Admitted to Practice
2022 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
2022 - Present

Virginia State Bar
Member
2009 - Present

Supreme Court of Virginia
Admitted to Practice
2009 - Present

Suffolk Bar Association
Member
2015 - 2022

Portsmouth Bar Association
Member
2009 - 2015

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

5 Years of Service
City of Suffolk, Virginia
2021

5 Years of Service
City of Portsmouth, Virginia
2014

Service to Law Enforcement
City of Portsmouth Police Department
2013

Publications

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog
What Laws Apply When Starting a Franchise?
2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog
How to Form An LLC in Virginia
2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog
What Does A Franchise Attorney Do?
2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog
How Does A Lawyer Create A Franchise Disclosure Document?
2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog
Top 5 Contract Drafting Tips
2023

Waldrop and Colvin Legal Blog
Tips for Finding the Right Franchise Opportunity
2023

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog
The Basic Legal Requirements for Franchising a Business
2022

Waldrop & Colvin Legal Blog
Item 19: Financial Performance Representations
2022

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Speaking Engagements

Suffolk Police Training
Fourth Amendment: Search & Seizure
2020

Suffolk Public Schools
Gang Violence
2019

Suffolk Police Training
Trial Preparation: Mock Trial
2019

Citizens Academy
Civil Forfeiture
2019

Suffolk Public Schools
Gang Violence
2018

Elementary School Presentation (Link for Example)
Kids take Goldilocks to Court
2018

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)

Given (11)

Endorse Derek

Ashby Pope

Business Attorney | 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 Colvin

Litigation Attorney | 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

Business Attorney | 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 Renninger

Business Attorney | 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 Waldrop

Franchising Attorney | 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 Page

Corporate and incorporation Attorney | 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 Taylor

Unknown Attorney | 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 Domer

Unknown Attorney | 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."

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Ashby Pope

Criminal defense