Derek Miles

Derek represents clients in a broad range of matters, including commercial litigation, contractual disputes, and the defense of employment-related claims as well as professional liability claims. Derek’s unique background and his diverse practice areas provides him with rare insights into his complex legal issues his clients are faced with.

Derek approaches every engagement with a simple aim: To be a resource for his clients so that they can run their businesses and organizations with more clarity and confidence. In every interaction, he works to make legal issues feel smaller, not bigger, so clients can stay focused on what matters most to them. Derek takes pride in listening to and collaborating with his clients to understand what is driving both their concerns and their goals from the outset. This collaboration allows him to develop bespoke strategies that balance efficiency with strong advocacy.

His clients appreciate his practical approach and responsiveness. They also appreciate his ability to effectively advocate for them in a court room or across a negotiating table. He’s been named a Super Lawyers Rising Start multiple times since joining DBL Law in 2022.

Over the course of his career, Derek has guided clients through every phase of the litigation process – from pre-suit strategy to post-trial appeals – in both state and federal courts. In mediation, where temperament can matter as much as legal or factual arguments, one mediator described Derek as “pleasantly intense.” Another mediator described Derek as “the picture of calm.” Derek achieved favorable results for his clients in both of those cases.

Derek’s work also extends beyond the courtroom. As co-chair of DBL’s Government Advocacy & Economic Development group, Derek helps clients navigate the administrative and regulatory framework of state and local government in Kentucky – systems where process, timing, and institutional knowledge can determine success. Before he practiced law, Derek worked on political campaigns, learning firsthand how decisions are made and how policy can be implemented through action. That experience now informs his counsel, allowing him to guide clients with an understanding not only of the law, but of the framework of government.

The same background shapes his work advising candidates for public office, political campaigns, and other organizations on compliance, campaign finance, and related matters.

Outside his practice, Derek’s leadership is visible in the institutions he serves. He is the chairperson of the Board of Directors of Maryhurst, Kentucky’s oldest child-welfare organization. He serves as Legal Advisor and Legislative Affairs Director for KYSHRM, the Commonwealth’s leading human-resources association. He is active with Louisville’s chamber of commerce, Greater Louisville Inc. and has served as vice chair of the Louisville Bar Association’s Litigation Section. Derek previously served on Kentucky’s Board of Financial Institutions, to which he was appointed for a four-year term in 2021 by Governor Andy Beshear. He is a graduate of Kentucky’s New Leaders Council program.

As his diverse areas of practice might demonstrate, Derek has a lot of interests of outside the office. But they shall remain unlisted here.

When he is not working or serving his community, Derek is usually spending time with his wife (also a lawyer), their young son, and their tortoiseshell cat.