Derek was born in the tiny western Oklahoma town of Weatherford.  He moved to Charlotte with his family in 1993 and attended Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for the duration, culminating in being named valedictorian of South Mecklenburg High School in 2002.  He then attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where he graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Political Science in 2006.  Thereafter, Derek immediately enrolled in the UNC-School of Law where he earned his J.D. in 2009.  While in law school, he represented the school as its organizational and social chair, and was a member and later team leader of the International Moot Court team.  He traveled to Miami in 2008 for the annual Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition where he competed against other top universities.  

During his tenure at UNC, Derek worked each summer as an intern for DeVore, Acton & Stafford, P.A.  The work that originally motivated him to attend law school led to a job offer in 2009, which he proudly accepted.  Though his full-time role did not begin until September of 2009, his work in the firm dates back to 2004.  

Derek's practice centers on civil litigation in North Carolina Superior and District Courts.  His main practice areas include: personal injury, construction, contract disputes, and property issues.  He also represents clients in Mecklenburg Criminal Court for various traffic matters.

In December of 2009, Derek was selected to the Bobbitt Inns of Court, an organization comprised of the best trial attorneys in the area and dedicated to training young lawyers on trial techniques.  Derek is also a current and active member of the Mecklenburg County and North Carolina Bar Associations.  

An avid sports fan, Derek spends much of his leisure time attending Carolina sporting events and cheering on his beloved New York Yankees.