Derek received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, cum laude, and his M.P.P. from the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. Derek served as an Associate Editor (Vol. 121) and Executive Editor (Vol. 122) for the Michigan Law Review and was a Student Attorney in the Michigan Civil Rights Litigation Initiative Clinic where he worked on cases related to disability and consumer rights and police oversight. As a law student, Derek interned for the Michigan Bureau of Elections, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Voting Section, and the Brennan Center for Justice’s Democracy Program. Derek has published two pieces of scholarship that focus on independent redistricting commissions and private enforcement of the Voting Rights Act, both of which are featured in the Michigan Law Review.

Derek holds a B.A. in Political Philosophy, Policy & Law from the University of Virginia, high distinction, and a B.A. in Leadership & Public Policy from the University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, highest distinction. Prior to joining ELG, Derek clerked for the Honorable Robert E. Payne, Senior U.S. District Judge for the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. Derek is originally from Virginia Beach, VA. He is based in ELG’s Washington, D.C. office.