It began back in 2009 when Sara Lincoln and Tricia Derr — both seasoned and accomplished trial attorneys — came together to create a new kind of law firm.

They saw a need in the industry and a demand among clients for an alternative to the big, institutional law firms — one that offered diversity, trial experience, and value. That was the foundation for Lincoln Derr, and it continues to guide our firm now, as we continue to grow and win for our clients.

Our Advantage

Our strength lies in our experience. We are trial attorneys. It’s in our blood. We fight for our clients, no matter what — even if a case never sees the inside of a courtroom. The Lincoln Derr Advantage is the edge we bring to our clients. We. Never. Stop.

We represent some of the largest healthcare providers, municipalities, retailers, and public utilities in the country. From breach of contract to construction defects, professional negligence to licensure issues, product liability to commercial real estate disputes, our institutional knowledge and experience reign supreme. Logging more than 10,000 courtroom hours and 150-plus years of combined practice experience, we bring it. Every. Single. Time. #LDAdvantage

Our Credentials
10K+ Hours in the Courtroom
150 Years of Combined Practice
200+ Jury Trials
850+ Non-Jury Trials
1,900 Trial Days
Our Diversity

Lawyers have a reputation for being mostly white and predominantly male. Our firm turns that stereotype on its head. At Lincoln Derr, women and minorities are majorities, creating an inclusive atmosphere where our individual differences are recognized as an underutilized resource rather than a paralyzing obstacle. Our culture promotes and rewards mutual respect, collaboration, and the free-flowing exchange of ideas, for the benefit of our team and our clients.

We offer the distinct advantage of reflecting the diversity of our community, including our judges and juries. Lincoln Derr’s team is 70% women and 30% men. Our team reflects the following underrepresented minority groups: Asian, Hispanic, Native American, and LGBTQ. We recruit individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds, and viewpoints. Everyone sits at the table. Everyone has something to offer.


As the first North Carolina law firm member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms “NAMWOLF,” we understand our affiliation aligns us nationally with exceptional law firms and in-house counsel supporting diversity and inclusion. We are proud to have developed relationships with numerous corporations through NAMWOLF and strive to provide high-quality legal representation while fulfilling their supplier diversity initiatives.


Lincoln Derr has been a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council “WBENC” since 2012. We believe WBENC certification identifies us as a company that believes in the power of women to stimulate economic growth. We actively participate in the programming opportunities and resources offered by WBENC.

Our Reach

Founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lincoln Derr is licensed to practice in:

  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Florida
Our History

Scroll through our timeline to learn about Lincoln Derr’s history.

2009

Sara Lincoln and Tricia Derr launch Lincoln Derr, with an emphasis on trial experience, diversity and value.

 
2011

Lincoln Derr moves to 6000 Fairview Rd. in Charlotte to accommodate growth.

 
2012

Lincoln Derr joins The National Association for Women and Minority-Owned Law firms and becomes the first North Carolina member firm.

 
2014

Tricia Derr installed as President of the Mecklenburg County Bar.

 
2015

Tricia Derr scores a victory in the second “hot coffee case,” winning on behalf of Starbucks.

 
2016

Lincoln Derr launches The Gift of Giving, a firm-wide focus on community investment.

 
2016

Lincoln Derr moves into The Capital Towers Building in the heart of SouthPark.

 
2017

Lincoln Derr takes over neighboring office space in Capitol Towers more than doubling square feet.

 
2017

Sara Lincoln is inducted into the American College of Trial Attorneys.

 
2018

Sara Lincoln featured on the cover of Super Lawyers Magazine.

 
2019

Lincoln Derr celebrates a decade in business and a firm that has grown from two attorneys to 10.

 
2020

Tricia Derr becomes licensed South Carolina Bar at the request of a long-time client.

 
2022

Tricia Derr is inducted into the American College of Trial Attorneys.

 
Our Values
We Are Local

We know our juries and our court system, local nuances, and laws. Even better, we know our opponents. As our firm has grown throughout the Southeast, so has our reputation for being deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We now represent clients in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

We Are Prepared

Details matter. Our attorneys pour everything into case preparation. We study the facts. We enlist high-caliber experts to interpret complicated into common sense. And we analyze the competition. When we walk into the courtroom, we are ready for anything.

We Are Versatile

We believe the best way to resolve a case is to be prepared to win in the courtroom. By creating a trial master plan that incorporates strategic settlement planning, we deliver unparalleled service to our clients — and save them millions.

We Are Efficient

With 150 years of combined legal experience, Lincoln Derr attorneys never “train” on your dime. We’re good at what we do — really good. That, along with our tech-forward mindset, allows us to operate effectively and efficiently, providing our clients with the best possible value.

We’ve told you a little about us. Now we want to learn about you. If you need legal representation, contact us today to find out how we can help.
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