Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024 
3 Things to Know About Kevin Mahoney:
- He has more than three decades of experience handling eminent domain matters.
- He served as a North Carolina Special Deputy Attorney General and led the Western Office on eminent domain cases in the state’s 26 westernmost counties.
- He is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin and serves on the Executive Committee responsible for management of the firm.
Kevin Mahoney leads the eminent domain practice in Western North Carolina for the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm, a division of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. He focuses his practice exclusively on representing property owners facing the taking of their land through eminent domain proceedings, guiding them through the legal process and advocating for their property rights.
Legal Background and Career Experience
Kevin earned his JD from Georgetown University Law Center and his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Georgetown University. Before entering law school, he spent time in Central America building stoves and houses for underserved communities, an experience that reflects his long-standing interest in service.
Kevin began his legal career as a prosecutor, where he developed trial experience before going on to represent landowners in condemnation matters, helping them pursue just compensation and navigate complex legal proceedings.
Kevin later served in the North Carolina Attorney General’s Western Office in Asheville, where he handled high-exposure and complex eminent domain cases across the region. He rose to the role of Special Deputy Attorney General and led the Western Office’s operations, mentoring attorneys while managing a significant caseload.
Perspective on Eminent Domain Representation
Kevin’s practice is grounded in a strong sense of fairness and a recognition of the imbalance that can exist when individuals face large government entities in condemnation proceedings. Drawing on his extensive experience, he now exclusively advocates for property owners’ interests and strives to ensure that they are equipped to navigate the process.
“The landowner often stands alone facing a large government agency. I focus on trying to ensure that the playing field remains level when property is taken.”
His approach combines detailed knowledge of the condemnation process with a commitment to practical, results-oriented advocacy on behalf of his clients.
Leadership, Recognition, and Community Engagement
Kevin has been recognized for his work in eminent domain law, including selection to the “Best Lawyers” list for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2024–2026).* He was inducted into the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society in 2020 and is active in the legal and local community through his involvement with the North Carolina Bar Association and the Buncombe County Bar Association. In addition to his legal practice, Kevin is a licensed North Carolina real estate broker and educator and has taught real estate courses to aspiring professionals.
Kevin has also been involved in a range of community and civic organizations. His service includes past leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Asheville South and the Biltmore Park Homeowner’s Association, as well as involvement with youth sports and nonprofit organizations in the Asheville area.
Kevin is known for his approachable demeanor and commitment to helping others – qualities that carry through both his legal practice and community involvement.
*“Best Lawyers” standards of inclusion: bestlawyers.com.
