Derek represents major constituencies (including institutional lenders, secured creditors, creditor committees, landlords, equipment lessors and indenture trustees) in workouts, restructurings, foreclosures and bankruptcies throughout the country. Derek has substantial first chair trial experience in state and federal courts (including bankruptcy courts) addressing varying issues ranging from enforcement of creditor remedies to contested confirmation hearings on plans of reorganization.

Credentials

  • University of Dayton School of Law, 1998, J.D., Member of the University of Dayton Law Review
  • Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, 1995, B.A., University Honors, summa cum laude

  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court - District of New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court - Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of New Jersey
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • All State Courts - Pennsylvania
  • All State Courts - New Jersey

  • Philadelphia Bar Association
  • Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference - Steering Committee, 2006-2010 and Chair 2009-2010
  • Leadership Philadelphia LLC - Core Class 2009
  • Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation - Board of Directors, 2010 - present and President, 2014 - present

Awards & Recognition

  • Selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2024-2025. The Best Lawyers in America is issued by Best Lawyers. A description of the selection methodology can be found at bestlawyers.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. 
  • Listed as a Notable Practitioner in IFLR1000 Global for United States, Pennsylvania Restructuring and Insolvency, 2020, 2023-2024. IFLR1000 Global is issued by IFLR1000. A description of the selection methodology can be found at iflr1000.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. 
  • Derek was selected for inclusion on the 2012-2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for Bankruptcy: Business. The Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at superlawyers.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
  • Ranked in Chambers USA for Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds Bankruptcy/Restructuring, 2012-2024. Chambers USA is issued by Chambers and Partners. A description of the selection methodology can be found at chambers.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
  • Derek was recognized in 2012-2014 and 2016-2017 Chambers USA as one of America's leading bankruptcy/restructuring lawyers. Chambers USA is issued by Chambers and Partners. A description of the selection methodology can be found at chambers.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
  • Derek was selected to the 2006-2008 Pennsylvania Rising Stars list. The Pennsylvania Rising Stars list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at superlawyers.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
  • Derek was selected to the 2003 Top 50 Lawyers in Pennsylvania Under 40 list. The Top 50 Lawyers in Pennsylvania Under 40 list is issued by Pennsylvania Law Weekly. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.