Derek is an associate in DBL Law’s Louisville office, practicing primarily in the area of Litigation & Dispute Resolution. Derek’s practice includes claims involving municipal and governmental entities, administrative law, defense of employment discrimination claims, constitutional litigation, and contract negotiations. Derek also advises political campaigns and candidates for political office on various matters including election law and laws governing campaign finance. Derek is admitted to practice law in Kentucky state courts, the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, and the Southern District of Indiana.

Prior to joining DBL Law, Derek practiced with a Louisville law firm where he focused on civil defense litigation for claims involving personal injury, property destruction, employment discrimination, and administrative law. Before he began practicing law, Derek was a staffer on several political campaigns, including assisting with multiple races for Kentucky’s legislature and serving as deputy finance director and deputy political director for a campaign for Kentucky Governor.

Derek received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, where he was the editor-in-chief for the Journal of Animal and Environmental Law, a member of the school’s ABA Arbitration Moot Court team and awarded the ALI CLE Scholarship and Leadership Award.  Derek received B.A., degrees in geography and German from the University of Kentucky where he graduated magna cum laude, served as president of the university’s geographical society and received the Thomas M. Geoghegan Memorial Undergraduate award.

In 2021, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear appointed Derek to the Kentucky Board of Financial Institutions. Derek is also a member of Maryhurst’s Associate Board and a graduate of Kentucky’s New Leaders Council. Derek lives in Louisville with his wife and tortoiseshell cat.