Derek earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California Los Angeles and his law degree from Boston College School of Law.
He is a versatile litigator who regularly represents companies in business disputes and complex civil litigation matters, including transportation, employment, premises and product liability, construction, and commercial litigation. He represents and counsels his clients in areas ranging from discrimination, harassment, unfair competition, trade secrets, and breach of contract to catastrophic personal injury matters.
Derek is experienced in all facets of litigation, extending from dispositive motions and trials to appeals. He successfully defended a national retail chain in a multi-million dollar claim, which raised issues of first impression with California courts regarding the interpretation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and prepared a successful dispositive motion that resulted in a complete dismissal of the action (Alaubali v. Rite Aid 2007 U.S. Dist. Lexis 81633). He also successfully defends his clients at trial, including in a catastrophic wrongful death case where plaintiffs sought $4 million in damages in an admitted fault case. Because of Derek’s persuasive defense, plaintiffs were only awarded $80,000.
In recognition of his outstanding track record, Derek has been recognized as a Northern California “Rising Star” or “Super Lawyer” for six consecutive years. No more than 5% of lawyers in California earn the distinction of being named a Super Lawyer.
Derek previously served as the Chair of the American Bar Association’s Commercial Transportation Litigation Committee and currently serves as a Vice Chair. He is also a member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) and the Defense Research Institute (DRI). He is a member of the State Bar of California; the United States District Courts for the Northern, Central, and Eastern Districts of California; and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.