also known as James Derek Drennan
Derek Drennan has been a dedicated advocate for his clients for nearly 20 years. He has focused his practice in the defense of citizens accused of crimes both great and small. Aggressively challenging the federal and state government’s attempts to strip his clients of their lives, liberties and their property at each and every opportunity has been a consistent feature of his practice.
Drennan is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law in May of 1996 and was admitted to the bar of the State of Alabama in September of that same year. While in law school, Drennan was employed as a law clerk with Doug Jones who would soon become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Upon graduation, Drennan began a clerkship with Richard S. Jaffe, P.C. and subsequently became an associate with the firm upon admission to the bar. In 2011, Drennan formed the partnership Jaffe and Drennan, P.C.
Drennan brings with him to Kirk Drennan Law experience and dedicated representation to his clients. He practices in Federal, State and Municipal Courts and represents people accused, charged and under investigation in every conceivable area of criminal defense. His practice includes complex litigation in the area of White Collar Crimes such as allegations of embezzlement, honest services fraud and public corruption. He has been successful at both the trial and appellate courts. These victories include acquittals for offenses ranging from assault, arson, and capital murder, successfully litigated motions to suppress evidence leading to dismissals and include victories at both the Alabama Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Drennan’s success in the arena of criminal defense is indicative of his attention to detail, keen understanding and passion for the law, and seeing that justice is done for each of his clients.
NOTABLE APPELLATE CASES
BAR ADMISSIONS
RECOGNITIONS
SPEAKING APPEARANCES
3
Practice Areas
30 years | 1,000 cases
30 years
30 years
Sometimes
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Chat withState: Alabama
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
500 Office Park Drive, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL, 35223
Not Yet Reviewed
"I endorse Mr. Drennan, he is an exceptional criminal defense attorney, and I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Derek is a zealous advocate. He is very intelligent, always prepared, and is diligent in the defense of his clients."
"I endorse Derek without question. He is one of the most impressive criminal defense attorneys in our state."
"Derek is a dedicated advocate for his clients. He is focused on the defense of citizens accused of crimes both great and small and works tirelessly to protect his clients liberties, property and their lives."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top Attorneys, Birmingham Magazine
2008
Rising Star, Birmingham Magazine
2015 - Present
Partner, Kirk Drennan Law
1996 - 2015
Partner, Jaffe & Drennan
2000 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1996 - Present
Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
1996 - Present
Birmingham Bar AssociationMember
1996 - Present
Alabama State BarMember
Probation (reversed on appeal by government); Re-sentenced to prison after substituting new counsel
Exonerated
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Conviction set aside
Acquittal
Not Guilty
Not guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2009
“Beyond Diminished Capacity”
2005
The American Bar Association’s Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases
2004
“Preserving your Client’s Life by Preserving the Record”
English