Derek Smith

Derek Smith is a New York employment attorney and principal who has represented workers and abuse survivors since 1995. He handles sexual harassment, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, whistleblower, wage and hour, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse claims. His clients include employees across many professions and industries. He prepares each matter for negotiation or trial while seeking accountability, compensation, and safer workplaces.

Smith earned his J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University in 1994. He received his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1991. He also studied at the Université de Droit, d’Économie et des Sciences d’Aix-Marseille in 1990. His education supports his analysis of workplace statutes, evidence, damages, civil rights, and trial strategy.

Smith has secured more than $500 million for clients through settlements and verdicts. He obtained a record-setting emotional distress verdict that was upheld on appeal in an employment discrimination case. His reported results include settlements exceeding $15 million, $7 million, and $6 million, plus a jury verdict exceeding $4 million. He uses his trial record to strengthen negotiations and prepare employers for serious courtroom exposure.

Derek Smith has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the New York Law Journal for his employment litigation work. He is admitted in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California, along with multiple federal courts and the US Supreme Court. He belongs to the National Employment Lawyers Association and speaks English and French. His practice reflects personal attention, direct communication, determined advocacy, and extensive experience representing people harmed by workplace misconduct.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC
• Member, National Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Member, The Florida Bar
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California
• Florida
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania

Education

• The Penn State, Dickinson School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• The University of Michigan
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges