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. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees James "Derek" Drennan included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors B·Metro Rising Star Attorney, 2008 Top Attorneys Birmingham Magazine, 2012 Other Sources of Feedback About James "Derek" Drennan Included on the 2025Mid-South Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers list 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers list 2022 Mid-South Super Lawyers list 2021 Mid-South Super Lawyers list 2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers list

• Partner

• Richard S. Jaffe, P.C., Clerk

• "Beyond Diminished Capacity", ACDLA, 2009 - Present
• “Preserving your Client’s Life", ACDLA, 2004 - Present

• Ex parte King
• Citation: 23 So. 3d 77 (Ala. 2009)
• Court: Al.Sup.Ct
• Year: 2009
• United States v. McIntosh
• Citation: 580 F.3d 1222 (11th Cir.)
• Court: 11th Circuit
• Ex parte Brown
• Citation: 812 So. 2d 305 (Ala. 2001)
• Court: Al.Sup.Ct.
• Year: 2001

• Alabama, 1996
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 2008
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Alabama, 1996
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Alabama, 1996
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Alabama, 1996
• U.S. District Court Western District of Tennessee

• National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2000 - Present (Member)
• Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 1996 - Present (Member)