$ 250-400 per hour
also known as King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP, Derek Smith
Former CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE and CHANCELLOR; former DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL PRO-TEMPORE; former DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL; former ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL
Call now for a free consultation.
Derek Smith was appointed Judge and Chancellor by Governor Bill Haslam in 2011. As Judge and Chancellor, Derek presided over a host of cases, including civil cases, criminal cases, and divorce cases. Prior to being appointed as Judge, Derek served as Deputy District Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney General for the 21st Judicial District, which includes Williamson, Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. Following his tenure as Judge, Derek served as District Attorney General, pro tempore, where he prosecuted cases in various counties throughout the State of Tennessee.
Derek received his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Derek received his undergraduate degrees from Pepperdine University, where he graduated with Honors.
Derek is a partner in the law firm of King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP. King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP, is a small firm dedicated to indvidualized service to clients. The firm represents clients in a wide ranging number of ways: wills and trusts; real estate closings; civil litigation; divorce and post-divorce litigation; criminal defense (both felonies and misdemeanors); DUI defense; juvenile defense; child custody disputes; orders of protection; and appeals (both criminal and civil).
Becasue of Derek's experience in trying numerous jury trials thougout the Sate of Tennessee, he has amassed a cache of expert witnesses who can provide specialized evidence and testimony in a number of different cutting-edge areas.
Aside from practicing law, Derek believes in giving back to his community. Derek served in the United States Navy Reserves, and he stays involved in civic and political organizations.
$ 250-400 per hour
Always
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: Tennessee
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
203 3rd Ave S, Franklin, TN, 37064-2678
6 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews
Posted by John | March 08, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family
Excellent Attorney
I hired Derek to represent me in my Domestic case. He is very skilled in the court room. He has great relationships with judges & district attorneys. I would highly recommend him for any legal issues.
Posted by Scott | October 05, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Professionalism and Representation
After being recommended by a family member, I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Smith's CV from his law firm website. I was encouraged by his wealth of experience, both as a lawyer and a judge. He was very personable and easy to converse with, while maintaining focus on the key points of the case. ...
Posted by anonymous | June 10, 2019
DUI QUESTION
Mr Smith was very helpful even when he knew I already had another attorney but she wouldn't answer anything so he did answer some of them for me.
Posted by anonymous | May 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Wills & Living Wills
Professional, Accessible, We trusted his counsel
Our family needed legal representation. Other than having our Last Will and Testaments prepared by an attorney, we had zero experience in dealing with the legal system. In selecting an attorney, we wanted someone who had a firm grasp of the law and legal system with extensive experience in the cour...
Posted by Colleen | January 22, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law
Excellent legal work
I hired Derek to address legal issues we were having with the dog breeder that we purchased our German Shepherd from. He took his time to address our needs, and was forceful with the breeder and brought about a positive resolution.
"The answers of Mr. Smith are consistently accurate, full of analysis, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"Derek is an excellent lawyer who, no doubt, will do well for his clients. I have referred clients to him and all have been pleased with his services."
"This attorney continues his commitment to excellence as a lawyer by staying current on the new education that is being taught on the practice of being a lawyer."
"This attorney is committed to being an excellent lawyer by not only being educated, but by keeping up to date on the new education that is being taught about the practice of being a lawyer."
Divorce and separation lawyer
1989
Magna Cum Laude, Pepperdine University
1989
Most Outstanding Political Science Senior, Pepperdine University
1989
Most Outstanding Humanities Senior, Pepperdine University
N/A
Lifetime Achievement Award, Williamson County Task Force Against Domestic Violence
N/A
Certificate of Merit for Exceptional Dedication and Service, MADD
N/A
Pro Bono Service Award, Tennessee Supreme Court
2012 - Present
Partner, King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP
2011 - 2012
Judge and Chancellor, 21st Judicial District
1992 - 2011
Deputy District Attorney, 21st Judicial District
1990 - 1998
LT., United States Navy Reserves
1995 - Present
Bridges Domestic Violence CenterBoard Member
Board Member
Member
Member
Member
1988 - 1989
Pi Gamma MuPresident
1986 - 1988
Student Alumni AssociationVice President
The Court held the prenuptial agreement invalid because Husband intentionally, and in bad faith, failed to disclose the parcel of real estate.
1992
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2018
Murder
English
Legal Answers
My son was falsely accused of rape. A judge dropped charges, but put a condition on his release. Is this legal?
05 Aug 2022
Can my daughter move states with her young children while she's in the divorce/custody process?
02 Aug 2022
How do I properly get the right amount of financial support and also make sure I'm able to relocate with my child?
04 Aug 2022