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also known as Derek Poulsen, Derek J. Poulsen
Derek Poulsen is the managing attorney Wilner & O’Reilly, APLC San Diego location. He is admitted to the Iowa State Bar and the Nebraska State Bar. Mr. Poulsen focuses his practice on removal defense cases where he represents clients before the Immigration Court and on appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. He graduated from Utah State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Minor in Spanish. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Creighton University School of Law. During law school, he was selected to be on Creighton’s National Trial Team and earned the Honorable Lyle E. Strom Trial Advocacy Award. Derek previously worked at the immigration law office of Jason Finch and Associates, PC, LLO, in Omaha, Nebraska. During his time there his practice included criminal defense. He gained valuable knowledge of the negative immigration consequences that differing criminal activity has on an individual’s ability to remain in the United States. He also worked on family based immigration, U-Visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas, and 601/601A waivers. While in Nebraska Derek provided pro bono legal service at the Latino Center of the Midlands where he provided legal advice to immigrants. Having lived in Peru he has a great love for the Hispanic culture and is fluent in Spanish. While not at work Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, traveling, building things with his hands, and attempting to golf.
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Chat withState: Nebraska
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
State: Iowa
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
600 W. Broadway, Suite 700, San Diego, CA, 92101
17777 Center Court Drive, Suite 200, Cerritos, CA, 90703
Showing 1 - 5 of 44 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Said | November 13, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
I Had a free consultation with Attorney Derek Poulsen, I received a lot of information and excellent legal advice, Derek directed me to the right approach to my case. I highly recommend him for all your legal matters. Derek was very kind and caring person.
Posted by Anna | May 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Huge thanks to lawyer Derek and the team! My case wasn’t easy, but Derek’s confidence and professionalism really helped me feel calm and supported. He explained everything clearly and knew exactly how to handle the tricky parts. Super grateful for his help — highly recommend!
Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Wilner & O'Reilly and Mr. Poulsen has provided exceptional legal services throughout my citizenship application process. The expert guidance I received was invaluable from the initial steps all the way to the successful completion of my case. I particularly appreciated his clear and comprehensive...
Posted by Oxana | August 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Our entire family wants to say thank you very much to Attorney Derek Jay Poulsen for the passionate, thoughtful, and brilliant work! He is a real lifesaver! He did amazing work from the start: consultations, paperwork, plan, representing at the immigration court, and finally after 12 years of the ba...
Posted by anonymous | February 2, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Thank you so much to Derek and Ruby for being organized, patient, flexible, and extremely professional. They filled out and submitted all my paperwork for adjustment of status through marriage. The application process without them would have been so stressful because there is a lot to keep track of. ...
"Derek is a professional and skilled attorney. His skills have been proven in the courtroom and before USCIS. I unequivocally endorse and recommend him as a "go-to immigration attorney"."
"Derek goes above and beyond for his clients, and is always searching for novel ways to help his clients. You would be wise to have Derek in your corner!"
"Derek has been a great resource for me, with his courtroom experience and his expertise in removal defense. I highly recommend him, and if your case is with Derek, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands."
Litigation lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Immigration lawyer
2014
Exceptional Skills in Litigation Theory and Practice, Creighton University School of Law
2020 - Present
Managing Attorney, Wilner & O'Reilly | Immigration Lawyers San Diego
2018 - Present
Associate Attorney, Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC
2018 - 2020
Attorney, Wilner & O'Reilly | Immigration Lawyers Orange
2016 - 2018
Attorney, Jason Finch and Associates, PC. LLO
2013 - 2016
Law Clerk, Jason Finch and Associates, PC. LLO
2012 - 2012
Legal, Utah First District Court
2014 - Present
J. Reuben Clark AssociationMember
2014
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
BS - Bachelor of Science
2018
Immigration Updates
2019
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Legal Answers