Derek focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate transactions. He enjoys assisting individuals, developers, investors, lenders, and others with all aspects of real estate transactions, including buying, selling, refinancing, leasing, and development.  From first-time homebuyers to large commercial properties, he has experience assisting clients with contract negotiation and drafting, searching and certifying title and resolving title issues, preparing real estate and financing documents, and guiding transactions through to a smooth settlement. He also helps clients with business entity formation and corporate transactions.

Prior to joining Narron Wenzel, Derek practiced real estate law at firms in Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina, where he assisted families, investors, and builders with all aspects of real estate transactions for both residential and commercial properties in the Triangle and throughout North Carolina.  He also has experience representing lenders in foreclosure and debt collection actions, and representing landlords in leasing and eviction matters.

Derek grew up in Havelock, NC and enjoys returning to visit the North Carolina coast as often as possible. He moved to the Triangle to complete his undergraduate studies at UNC-Chapel Hill and subsequently his law degree at Campbell University.  He is currently enjoying living in Garner, NC.

When he’s not in the office, he can most likely be found at the pool or the beach with family, hanging out with his nephew, eating Eastern NC BBQ, or watching a sporting event. In his spare time, he also enjoys reading philosophy, playing an occasional round of golf, and of course cheering on the Tar Heels.