Derek is an avid golfer, a washed-up Division III athlete, and a proud Duke basketball fan. He and his wife, Katie, live in Peachtree Hills with their dog, Hurley. He is on the board of the Duke Law Atlanta Alumni Association, is a Pro Bono Champion with the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, and previously served on the board for the Peachtree Hills Civic Association.
Listed in Georgia Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2025-2026 Represents national developer in various large-scale transactional matters, including owner-architect agreements, fixed price owner-contractor agreements, and both capped and uncapped cost-plus owner-contractor agreements. Advised international infrastructure contractor regarding performance, management, and completion issues with government-funded projects in the United States. Represented Fortune 200 fiber board manufacturer in nine-figure dispute over the construction of a state-of-the-art fiber board mill. Successfully represented national heavy civil contractor in defeating opposing party’s appeal of summary judgment award in Georgia Court of Appeals. Represented international countertop manufacturer in tort dispute based on novel theory of law that resulted in a favorable recovery. Represented nationwide developer of multifamily and student housing in multi-party arbitration with claims relating to breach of contract, misrepresentation, and lien foreclosure. Counseled regional developer in dispute with contractor over claims of defective work on multiple projects throughout the Southeast. Represented developer in construction defect dispute with joint venture contractor arising out of construction of 300-unit luxury resort and 14-acre, mixed-use development.
