ATTORNEY PROFILE

Derek grew up in Belleville, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois in 2006. He obtained his Juris Doctorate in 2011. In law school, he became a member of Law Review and gained valuable experience working for Federal and State prosecutors. After becoming a licensed lawyer in Illinois and Missouri, Derek joined Neville, Richards and Wuller, LLC where he learned how to conduct discovery, draft pleadings and work up several different types of personal injury cases, such as medical malpractice, auto accidents, premises liability and Dram Shop liability.

He subsequently worked for a criminal defense and personal injury firm where he gained significant jury trial experience. Derek handles every aspect of trial from jury selection to closing argument, and he has had tremendous trial success defending his clients. Over a three-year period, Derek helped secure eight consecutive favorable jury verdicts, including acquittals on many major felony charges. He also briefed, argued and won multiple appeals and post-trial hearings for individuals who were represented by other attorneys at trial. Additionally, during this time, Derek resolved a wide variety of civil matters ranging from contract disputes to personal injury.

In February 2022, Derek became a partner with Neville, Richards and Wuller, LLC, where he applies the important knowledge he gained litigating cases for many different types of clients. Over the course of his career, Derek has conducted countless depositions, arbitrations, and mediations, and zealously advocates for his clients in and out of the courtroom.

When he is not working, Derek greatly enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

99% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Personal Injury

Medical Malpractice Defense

Dental Malpractice Defense

Insurance Law

Criminal Defense

Contract Negotiations and Disputes

Trial and Appellate Practice

Dram Shop Defense

ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Illinois State Bar Association

St. Clair County Bar Association

Madison County Bar Association

BAR ADMISSION AND EDUCATION

BAR ADMISSIONS

Illinois

Missouri

Southern and Central Districts of Illinois Federal Courts

Eastern District of Missouri Federal Courts

EDUCATION

Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana, J.D.

Law Review: VU Law Review, Associate Editor, Note Writer

University of Illinois, B.A.; Major: Communications;

     Minor: Economics

NEVILLE, RICHARDS & WULLER, LLC

PREMIER CIVIL LITIGATION DEFENSE

CENTRAL & SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, EASTERN MISSOURI