Derek's practice focuses on complex commercial litigation.  He represents clients in federal and state courts on matters related to insurance coverage and other issues.  Examples of recent matters include:

• Representing a major auto parts manufacturer seeking insurance coverage for bodily injury and environmental liabilities

• Representing a 524(g) Trust seeking insurance coverage for claims brought against a refractory-materials manufacturer

• Serving as special insurance counsel to the claimants’ committee in a bankruptcy case filed by an installer of asbestos-containing insulation

• Serving as special insurance counsel to a claimants’ committee in a major hospital bankruptcy

• Representing a public interest group seeking remedies for violations of the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act

• Representing a Fortune 100 national bank in pursuing mortgage fraud claims and a bankruptcy recovery

Before entering private practice, Derek served as a law clerk to the Honorable Howell Cobb, U.S. Senior District Judge for the U.S. Eastern District of Texas in Beaumont.  Derek also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Marcia Crone, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

Community Activities

• Co-Chair, Washington Legal Aid Society’s Generous Associates Campaign
• Associate Trustee, Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

• American Bar Association, Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section
• Virginia Bar Association