The Lincoln Derr Advantage
Experience
Over 150 years of combined experience form the foundation of the Lincoln Derr Advantage. We leverage our experience to offer the highest level of representation available.
Diversity
We don’t just promote diversity-we are diverse. Our backgrounds and experiences enhance our connections with others and allow us to offer a broader perspective to clients.
Local Roots
We are immersed in our communities which gives us the advantage of knowing our courts, our jurors, and our opponents.
Click the video below to hear more about our firms primary differentiators explained by founders Sara Lincoln & Tricia Derr.
Recent News & Articles
The Need for More Black Lawyers
DARE TO CHANGE A DECADE CONSTANT: The Need To Increase Black Lawyer Representation in the Profession is Long Overdue As Black History Month comes to a close, and even as we continue a reflective look in the review mirror of 2020, what is revealed are collective...
Empathy and the Law – An Often Overlooked Superpower
Empathy goes beyond sympathy and compassion. It allows for a deeper understanding of others and their circumstances. Being empathetic does not imply weakness or being a pushover. Quite the contrary – empathy is a superpower that can improve us as individuals and make us better at our jobs.
Vaccines and Going Back to Work – Guide for Employers
Working from home and that work-from-home fashion staple, sweatpants have become the norm for millions of American workers since mid-March 2020. With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout finally picking up some steam, many employers are either gearing up to safely bring employees back to work or looking for ways to keep those already working onsite healthy. In both cases, the COVID vaccine is likely to be a big factor.
Lincoln Derr Attorneys Named to 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
We are pleased to announce that four Lincoln Derr attorneys have been selected to the 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than five percent of attorneys in the state. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson...
Remembering The Hon. Philip E. Howerton Jr.
I heard about The Hon. Phillip Howerton’s death in an email to Mecklenburg County Bar (MCB) Past Presidents. His daughter Ashely and I grew up in Charlotte and have crossed paths from childhood through today. Ashley’s mother, Mary, was the Executive Director of the...
Lincoln Derr Attorneys Named to Business North Carolina Legal Elite
Lincoln Derr is proud to announce that Tricia Derr and Gwendolyn Lewis have been named as honorees of “Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite” by Business North Carolina Magazine. Both Ms. Derr and Ms. Lewis were listed for their work in the Litigation practice area....
Meet The Team
Sara R. Lincoln
Problem solving is what we are good at, whether that requires a courtroom or not. We are fighters by nature which allows us to put our clients in the best position possible for a favorable outcome.
Tricia M. Derr
Tricia Derr is a trial lawyer who has litigated hundreds of cases using creative communication, practical advice and innovative trial strategies.
Scott S. Addison
Scott Addison represents national corporations, large regional hospital systems, physician practices, banks, and entrepreneurs.
Jeremy Sugg
Jeremy Sugg is a uniquely talented lawyer dedicated to solving problems in the most efficient and comprehensive manner, whether at the deal table or in the courtroom, for clients ranging from individuals to national corporations.
Maria D. Ortiz
Maria Ortiz is an experienced bilingual litigator with a diverse background. She has litigated cases in federal and state courts; a fighter by nature who takes pride in representing health care professionals, hospital systems and physician practice groups.
Gwendolyn W. Lewis
Gwendolyn Lewis is a trial attorney, representing individuals, healthcare professionals, and companies in a wide variety of legal and risk management matters. She has an employment law, trial skills, and nonprofit higher education background.
Kathleen K. Lucchesi
Kathi Lucchesi is a trial lawyer who also regularly advises employers, large and small, regarding all types of employment issues both in and out of the workplace.
Phoebe Coddington
Phoebe has litigated hundreds of cases and appeals nationally. Although she handles all types of cases, complex business litigation comprises the majority of her work.
Heather Fuller
Heather Fuller, a seasoned litigator with extensive federal experience, has handled cases in courts across the United States. Her innovative approach to each case, coupled with her sound judgment and ability to solve complex problems, makes her a strong advocate for her client.
Suzannah Hicks
Suzannah Hicks is an experienced litigator who has litigated high-profile, complex cases before various federal courts and agencies. She represents corporations and individuals in a wide variety of matters.
Courtney Bain
Courtney Bain joined Lincoln Derr in 2020 having previously worked at a litigation firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Courtney has represented clients in defense of a variety of negligence claims involving motor vehicle accidents, motor carrier liability, and premises liability.
Erin E. Alfaro
Erin Alfaro is a NC State Bar Certified Paralegal who has 20+ years experience working as a defense litigation paralegal.
Kelly Vecchio
Kelly Vecchio is a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal who has over twenty-three years of experience. She brings to our legal team an outstanding work ethic, attention to detail and a willingness to go above and beyond to get the job done.
Christian Whittington
Christian Whittington is a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal. She is committed to excellence in service and helping others find solutions to problems.
Karen Tahan
Hard work has its rewards both for our team and our clients. Knowledge, resourcefulness and dedication all contribute to the success of our team.
Kathy Devon
Kathy Devon is a recent New Jersey transplant who brings more than 20 years of diverse legal assistant experience to the firm. Her background and exposure to multiple areas of law enables her to provide solid and trustworthy support.
Dori Cazorla
Good marketers are observant, curious, and thrive on transforming creative into clever. However, passion for the “thing” that you are marketing is the link to success.


