$ 550-600 per hour
Derek Lloyd Mergele-Rust
About Derek
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
40%
8 years | 110 cases
Probate
35%
8 years | 80 cases
Child Abuse
25%
8 years | 150 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 8 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
Location
DebnamRust, P.C.
1601 Elm Street, Suite 4545, Dallas, TX, 75201
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Derek Lloyd Mergele-Rust's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
2 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Character & Conduct
Posted by Kyle | February 10, 2018
An outstanding new lawyer with the instincts of a seasoned one
Derek may be a new attorney, but he possesses maturity, instincts, and strategic intuition of an attorney with many years of practice under his belt. I worked with Derek when he was a law student - he was my student, my research assistant, and the president of the law school's Lavender Law organizati...
Derek Lloyd Mergele-Rust's Lawyer Endorsements
"Derek is not only professional, he is passionate about helping his clients plan for their future. It is inspiring to see just how well Derek understands his clients and their stories. Derek has the combination of being extremely detail-oriented but personable, and his methodical approach ensures that his clients feel understood, appreciated, and protected."
"I endorse this lawyer. He and I worked together as he was finishing up his third year of law school. His passion for helping people comes from the heart and with that passion comes a strong advocate and an attorney who puts the client first. I highly recommend Derek."
"Derek and I attended law school together and have maintained a friendship since. He is an outstanding and compassionate advocate for his clients and community."
"I have supervised this attorney and can say that his work is exemplary. Not only is he outstanding in his legal work, he is also a very compassionate attorney that will take care of his client."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Brent Debnam
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Michael Paul Rogers Activist of the Year Award, LubbockPride
2017
National Merit Distinction Honoree, PSJD Pro Bono Publico Award
2017
Robert J. and Ann Burbridge Criminal Defense Clinic Award, Caprock Regional Public Defender's Office
2017
Murray Hensley Advocacy Award for Talent, Dedication, and Ethics, Texas Tech Board of Barristers
2017
LGBT Law Student Scholarship Recipient, Austin Bar Foundation
2016
Best Comment Award, Estate Planning and Community Property Journal
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Partner, DebnamRust Dallas, PC
2022 - 2025
Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech University School Of Law
Associations
2026 - Present
Dallas Women Lawyers FoundationTreasurer
2017 - Present
Dallas Association of Young LawyersMember
2017 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust SectionMember
2017 - Present
Dallas Bar AssociationMember
2025 - 2026
Dallas Women Lawyers FoundationBoard Member
2017 - 2026
State Bar of Texas, LGBT Law SectionMember
Education
2017
Texas Tech University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
Texas State University-San Marcos
BS - Bachelor of Science
2011
Texas State University-San Marcos
BPA - Bachelor of Public Administration
Speaking Engagements
2026
Summit 2026
Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Seniors
2026
Financial Literacy and Estate Planning Workshop
Estate Planning and Probate
2018
Big XII LGBTQIA and Allies Summit
Not So Equal Rights: Bathrooms, Cakes, and Marital Benefits
Publications
2017
Texas Lawyer
Leaving an LGBT Law Legacy
2016
PSJD Pro Bono Publico Blog
Changing Gender Markers in West Texas
2016
Estate Planning and Community Property Law Journal
Splitting the Baby: The Implications of Classifying Pre-Embryos as Community Property in Divorce Proceedings and Its Implications on Gestational Surrogacy
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Applicant with mental issues
17 Feb 2018
Q&A
Hands in the pockets.
02 Feb 2018
Q&A
What is a jdcu desg1 and jdc hearings in Travis county tx?
01 Feb 2018