Derek Merman
About Derek
Biography
Derek was born and bred to be a trial attorney. The son of a successful attorney who died as a result of a negligently maintained airplane, Derek was raised by his mother on their ranch near Waco, Texas. For obvious reasons, Derek is passionate about his work for the injured and those who have lost loved ones because of someone’s negligence.
Derek is a fearless litigator. He has single-handedly recovered settlements and verdicts from some of the biggest companies in America and the world, including Union Pacific Railroad, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, Nationwide Insurance Company and dozens of others. Derek has represented injured people and surviving loved-ones all across the globe. He has been recognized as Metropolitan Magazine’s “Who’s Who”, Texas Monthly Magazine’s “Texas Rising Star,” and “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Texas” by ATLA.
Derek does whatever it takes to fully compensate his clients. If that means taking the case to trial then Derek and his clients have the advantage. Derek typically tries several cases a year to successful verdicts. Not only does he win, but he wins big, including obtaining the largest individual civil rights verdict in Texas history – over $16 Million in January of 2011. Again in March, 2012, Derek was co-lead in a trial against DuPont where the Jury returned a verdict for $11,965,000 for his clients. Over his career, he has collected millions of dollars for his clients.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-50%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Iowa for 10 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 21 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
The Merman Law Firm
743 West 18th Street, Houston, TX, 77008
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Derek Merman's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
5 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Recommendation
Posted by Ann | March 10, 2011
Thank you for everything!
Derek Merman is a consummate professional, he communicated with us at every turn and treated us with dignity and respect. Mr. Merman always took the time to listen and explained every step of the way. Mr. Merman and/or his staff was always on hand to answer any questions we had or supply us with inf...
Derek Merman's Lawyer Endorsements
"I’ve known lots of smart lawyers, and Derek is not only one of the smartest, but he also has a creative approach to handling cases that makes him very very effective. He is always focused on winning, and he is one of the hardest working and most prepared lawyers I’ve ever known. It’s not uncommon at all for Derek’s clients to hug him and cry at the end of their case, and he often keeps in touch with them forever. He treats his clients like family!"
"Derek Merman is incredibly tenacious and hard working. He knows his way around the courtroom and is not afraid to battle for the little guy. I collaborated with Derek on a few cases where his clients had corresponding criminal matters. His clients absolutely love him, and he goes above and beyond for them. Most recently he obtained a multimillion dollar judgment for a client who was injured after a tire explosion. Despite the billion dollar empire battling Derek, he obtained an amazing outcome for his client. I know the client will never forget him. I am always eager to work with him whenever presented with the opportunity."
"Excellent trial lawyer. Fearless. Several seven figure verdicts speak for themselves."
"I endorse this lawyer. I went to law school with Derek and have known him for over 12 years. He is an extremely diligent and smart lawyer that cares for his clients. You are in good hands with Derek!"
"Merely reviewing a list of Derek's accomplishments as an attorney both in and out of courtroom speaks volumes about his abilities as a trial lawyer. He is a compassionate person and a consummate professional."
"I endorse this lawyer. Derek is very knowledgeable in his chosen field and diligent in his representation of his clients."
"I have the utmost respect for Derek Merman. He is an incredibly talented trial attorney who works hard for his clients. Although he is a tough opponent, it is without question that he strives to obtain the best possible resolution for his clients and does so with integrity and professionalism."
"Derek is as talented in court as he is compassionate. Excellent lawyer and an even better person."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Merman is an aggressive plaintiffs lawyer, with both the talent and the work ethic needed to succeed in a very tough business environment."
"I endorse this lawyer. Derek Merman is wonderful person and an excellent lawyer. He is a person of high integrity and someone I am proud to call a friend. Derek is a fighter and will go above and beyond the call of duty for his clients. A true trial lawyer who has won the largest civil rights verdict ($16,000,000) in the state of Texas. Derek is a champion of the little man and is not afraid to take on the powers that be on their behalf."
"I certainly endorse this lawyer. He is an outstanding person, committed, and talented."
Experience
Honors
2016
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2009
Top Young Lawyers in Texas, Texas Monthly Magazine
2006
Who's Who, The Metropolitan
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Managing Partner, Merman Law Firm
2009 - 2011
Associate, Simon & Luke, LLP
2006 - 2009
Managing Partner, Merman & Dunk, LLP
2004 - 2006
Associate Attorney, Simon & Luke, LLP
Associations
2005 - Present
Maritime Law Association of the United StatesAssociate
2005 - Present
Texas Trial Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2004 - Present
Houston Young Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2004 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2004 - Present
American Association for JusticeAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Verdict for the Plaintiff - $11,965,000
Verdict for Plaintiff - $16,050,870 (largest reported individual civil rights case in Texas history)
Settlement for Plaintiff (Confidential)
Judgement for Plaintiff - $1,977,549.50
Education
2004
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2011
General Legal Q&A
Publications
2008
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
How long can I wait to file a civil lawsuit?
03 Apr 2012
How to sue The Department of State (Consular Affairs) in Civil cases pursuant to USC 1983 where they are protected by immunity?
05 Apr 2012
What can i do if an employee of a restaurant hits me (a customer)?
08 Apr 2012