Craig Justus practices in the areas of environmental law, real estate and land-use litigation and planning. He actively represents clients in zoning and annexation matters throughout Western North Carolina and across the state. Justus also assists clients in homeowner association matters, including drafting, reviewing and enforcing restrictive covenant documents.
A frequent speaker, having presented before the North Carolina General Assembly, he has successfully represented clients challenging the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Cities of Asheville and Brevard.
Practice Highlights
• Successfully challenged through N.C. Supreme Court against NCDOT for wrongfully denying a driveway permit to a developer and obtained $2.1 million settlement.
• Successfully defended timeshare associations in million-dollar claim regarding unpaid disputed assessments.
• Obtained $100,000 settlement for client property owner in homeowner association abuse case.
• Successfully prosecuted claim through N.C. Supreme Court against City of Brevard for wrongfully denying development approval for elderly housing project.
• Successfully challenged through the N.C. Supreme Court annexation of large industrial property by City of Asheville.
Awards and Honors
• Best Lawyers in America
• North Carolina Super Lawyers
Presentations
• Speaker – 2015 Zoning, Planning and Land Use Annual Section Meeting, “Smart Growth: Evolving the Legal System to Better Manage Developer vs. Government Disputes,” March, 27, 2015.
• Speaker – 2015 Zoning, Planning and Land Use Annual Section Meeting, “Smart Growth: Evolving the Legal System to Better Manage Developer vs. Government Disputes,” March, 27, 2015.
• Speaker – N.C. General Assembly, Legislative Research Commission Meeting. “Exactions Under NC Law,” April 7, 2014.
• Speaker – N.C. Bar Association, Real Property Section Annual Meeting. “HOA/Condo Associations and Their Effect on Closings and Troubled and Non-troubled Development,” May 12, 2012
Professional Affiliations
• 28th Judicial District Bar
• Georgia State Bar
• North Carolina Outdoor Advertising Association
• North Carolina Bar Association
• North Carolina Bar Association, Environmental, Land Use & Real Property Sections
• Tennessee State Bar
