Derek was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1986. After graduating from Conroe High School, Derek attended Texas A&M University where he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Leadership and Development. After graduating from A&M, Derek earned his Juris Doctorate at South Texas College of Law, in Houston, Texas. While at South Texas he was elected to serve as the Student Bar Association Vice President for 2012-2013, and Freshman Senator for 2011-2012. He was also an elected leader in the Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity, and the South Texas Aggie Law Association, as well as an Advocate in the Gerald Treece Summer Advocacy Program. Before Graduating, he interned for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for two years. He has been a Certified Mediator and licensed to practice law in the state of Texas since 2013. Since becoming licensed, Derek has handled thousands of personal injury cases including but not limited to wrongful death cases, traumatic brain injury cases, catastrophic injury car wreck cases, and numerous other complex, high value personal injury cases. Derek is a current member of the Houston Bar Association, Montgomery County Bar Association, Life Member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and Life Member of the Montgomery County Fair Association. When not working, Derek enjoys spending time with his friends and family, saltwater fishing, being outdoors, meeting new people, riding horses, and volunteering in the community.