Overview

Derek is a seasoned litigator with more than two decades of experience, representing businesses in complex employment, commercial, real estate, and business disputes. He regularly advises a diverse group of clients across a variety of industries on efficient solutions to complex problems.

Derek practices regularly in Maryland’s state, federal, and appellate courts, as well as appearing pro hac vice in jurisdictions outside of Maryland. Derek also has significant experience representing clients in arbitration and in proceedings with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. He also advises employers and businesses on litigation strategy, internal investigations, and risk management when disputes threaten business operations or reputational interests.

Before joining the firm, Derek was a principal at a Baltimore-based Am Law 200 firm, where he represented businesses and other organizations in a broad range of litigation matters.

Derek actively participates in several professional organizations, including the Bar Association of Frederick County, the Defense Research Institute, Maryland Defense Counsel, Inc., and the Maryland State Bar Association. He previously served on the board of directors of Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service for five years.

  • Maryland construction company: Represented a large Maryland construction company in a shareholder derivative lawsuit.
  • National home improvement company: Represented a national home improvement company in federal court against a departing employee and a competing business.
  • International franchisor: Obtained summary judgment on all counts for a client against claims of fraud, securities violations, and negligence in connection with the federal EB-5 immigration program.
  • Baltimore-based non-profit company: Successfully defended a client in a class action lawsuit alleging fraud, conspiracy, and violations of the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.
  • Hospital and management personnel: Obtained a favorable settlement for clients against a lawsuit filed by a terminated employee alleging wrongful discharge, defamation, and retaliation.
  • National paint manufacturer and retailer: Won partial summary judgment on behalf of a client of negligent misrepresentation, Maryland consumer protection, and breach of warranty claims in a home construction defect case.
  • Technology company: Represented a client in a dispute involving the breach of a software licensing agreement, resulting in a favorable settlement for the client.
  • Individual employee: Defended a client whose former employer sought a temporary restraining order that would preclude her from starting a new job. The temporary restraining order was denied, and the settlement was favorable.
  • Large non-profit organization: Conducted an internal investigation for a client stemming from a whistleblower complaint alleging fraud, bid rigging, conflicts of interest, and accounting irregularities.
  • Loyola University Maryland, B.A., political science
  • University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., cum laude
    • University of Baltimore Law Review, managing editor
  • Maryland
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. Tax Court
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Best Lawyers, 2023-2027
  • Rising Stars, Maryland Super Lawyer, 2009-2016, selected for inclusion in the areas of
    • Business Litigation
    • Civil Litigation: Defense and Personal Injury
    • Defense: Products
    • Business Litigation
  • Bar Association of Frederick County
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Frederick County Building Industry Association
  • Frederick County Chamber of Commerce
  • Maryland Defense Counsel, Inc.
  • Maryland State Bar Association
  • Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, previous board of directors member

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