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 Areas

Awards & Honors

  • The Best Lawyers in America® – Lawyer of the Year (Asheville);
    • Litigation – Land Use and Zoning- 2024
    • Land Use and Zoning Law – 2013, 2016, 2023, 2025
    • Best Lawyers in America
    • North Carolina Super Lawyers 2024
    • The Best Lawyers In America 2025

    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 a 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 the City of Brevard for wrongfully denying development approval for elderly housing project.
    • Successfully challenged through N.C. Supreme Court annexation of large industrial property by the City of Asheville.
    • 2024 North Carolina Super Lawyers

Education

  • University of North Carolina – Juris Doctor, 1991
  • Master’s Degree (City and Regional Planning), 1991
  • B.A. (History), 1987

Professional Affiliations

  • Buncombe County Bar
  • Tennessee State Bar
  • Georgia State Bar
  • North Carolina Outdoor Advertising Association
  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Environmental, Land Use & Real Property Sections

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.

Craig is a native of Hendersonville, N.C. who relocated to Asheville, N.C. in 1991. His passions include reading, golf and spending time with his wife, Suzannah, daughter, Aidan, and son, James. He’s also a Civil War and movie buff…and he sings a mean Elvis.

  • Favorite Food: Fillet gorgonzola from Black Forest Restaurant
  • Favorite Artist: Bruce Springsteen
  • Favorite Music: 1980s rock
  • Favorite Book: “Lord of the Rings”
  • Favorite Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
  • Guilty Pleasure: Eating good food