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Derek B Brett
About Derek
Biography
I have been actively practicing law since 1996, and have been deeply involved in the legal system since 1991. I believe in excellent client communication and passionate dedication to client interests. I have worked extensively in both the state and federal court systems. Also, I am licensed to practice law in both the United States and Canada, thus permitting for me to represent the interests of clients on both sides of the border.
Bottom line: I practice what I preach. I believe that, as an attorney, I need to ensure that the legal system is geared toward protecting and vindicating my clients' interests. I attempt to do so in a principled and conscientious manner.
Practice Areas
10
Practice Areas
Litigation
25%
25 years | 150 cases
Contracts and Agreements
15%
22 years | 120 cases
International Law
15%
22 years | 50 cases
Tax
15%
24 years | 40 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 29 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 25 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
The Burnside Law Firm
109 Ilsley Avenue, Park Central, Suite 9, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, FL, B3B-1S8
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Derek B Brett's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
9 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by William | October 09, 2014 | Business
A Brilliant Commercial Litigator
I own and run a number of reasonably high-profiled companies. I came to Brett with a number of legal issues involving former business partners and competitors. I was in up to my neck. My previous lawyer had failed miserably to get the cases going and I was left in a spot where several million doll...
Posted by Christopher Wilson | April 28, 2010 | Criminal Defense
Above and Beyond
To say Derek went above and beyond my exceptions would not do him justice. I hired Derek and the guys after I was arrested in a high profile case. To my surprise it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Do not let the fact that he is a super nice guy fool you, he is a comple...
Derek B Brett's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Aggressive representation in the court room is something every client needs. Look no further."
"Derek is an attorney dedicated to zealous representation for his clients' rights."
"Unquestionably, Mr. Brett is the best constitutional lawyer in Central Florida. I was lucky enough to work for Mr. Brett while I was in law shcool. Afterwords, Mr. Brett mentored and guided me through various issues that I've encountered in my own practice. I fully endorse, Mr. Brett."
"I endorse this lawyer. A sharp lawyer who is also involved in the ACLA protecting constitutional rights."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Derek on a number of issues. He has a brilliant grasp of complicated legal issues and is committed to his work and his clients."
"Derek is extemely knowledgeable and is recognized as an expert by local media in his practice areas. He is hard working, passionate and very thorough."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known Derek for years, and can't say enough good things about him--he's not just an excellent attorney, but a great guy as well (rare in our work...). Derek's depth of knowledge in many areas of law are well known, and his high level of care for his clients makes it easy to endorse him. Keep up the great work!"
"This is one hard working attorney! He has served as a guide and even a mentor to me since my exit from law school. He knows the issues, and will do anything possible to maximize his clients' chances for success. He really does care."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Derek Brett is an excellent lawyer. I have worked with Derek on co-defendant cases and watched him specialize in the area of First Amendment Rights. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Brett to anyone seeking legal representation."
"Derek is one of the brightest minds Florida has to offer when it comes to First Amendment and constitutional issues. He is dedicated and hard working, always striving to obtain the best results for his clients. I highly endorse his work."
Marc Peltzman
Election campaigns and political law lawyer | Jan 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Derek has a very sharp legal mind and exhibits the highest level of professionalism. Derek is easily one of the best election lawyers in Florida. His personality and demeanor make him very well-suited for success in the practice of law."
Jacqueline Dowd
Civil rights lawyer
Michael Bixon
Criminal defense lawyer
Roger Scott
Criminal defense lawyer
Heather Morcroft
Family lawyer
Jonathan Suh
Litigation lawyer
Tobe Lev
Employment and labor lawyer
Joseph Egan
Employment and labor lawyer
Richard Siwica
Employment and labor lawyer
Rosemonde Cely
Business lawyer
Ginger Lore
Probate lawyer
John Guidry
Entertainment lawyer
Benjamin Mayer
Criminal defense lawyer
Warner Mariani
Constitutional lawyer
Robert Harris
Criminal defense lawyer
Charles Ehrhardt
Litigation lawyer
Mark Olive
Criminal defense lawyer
Richard Hornsby
Criminal defense lawyer
Neil McLoughlin
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Berger
Criminal defense lawyer
Jerome Mooney
White collar crime lawyer
Experience
Honors
2013
Faculty Mentorship Honors, Burnett Honors College, Office of Prestigious Awards
2010
Florida's Legal Elite, Florida Trends Magazine
2009
Attorney of the Year, Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus
2009
Attorney of the Year, Florida Democratic Caribbean Caucus
2009
Attorney of the Year, Florida Democratic Black Caucus
2007
Best Up & Coming Attorney, Florida's Legal Elite
2007
Attorney of the Year, Central Florida Police Benevolent Association
2006
Political Science Professor of the Year, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
2004
Paul Wellstone Grassroots Activist of the Year, Central Florida Young Democrats
1993
Public Interest Law Fellow, Florida Bar Foundation
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Of Counsel, Egan, Lev & Siwica, P.A.
2011 - 2013
Partner/Senior Attorney, The Tate Law Firm, PLLC
2009 - 2011
Managing Attorney, The Brett Law Firm, P.A.
2005 - 2009
Trial Attorney, Weston, Garrou, Walters & Mooney
2003 - 2013
Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Central Florida
2003 - 2005
Associate, Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, P.A.
2000 - 2003
Assistant Public Defender- Lead Track Attorney, Public Defender's Office - 20th & 9th Judicial Circuits
1999 - 2000
Associate, Gordon, Silberman, Wiggins & Childs, P.C./Law Office of Grant Morris
1997 - 1999
Assistant Public Defender, Public Defender's Office
1996 - 1997
Associate, Law Office of Michael J. Rocque
1996 - 1996
Certified Legal Extern, Public Defender, 2d Judicial Circuit
1995 - 1995
Certified Legal Extern, Public Defender, 17th Judicial Circuit
1995 - 1995
Law Clerk, Volunteer Lawyers' Resource Center
1994 - 1994
Law Clerk, Law Office of Stephen Rakusin, P.A.
1993 - 1993
Judicial Law Clerk - Honorable Robert J. Fogan, Seventeeth Judicial Circuit of Florida
1992 - 1992
Law Clerk, Spellacy, Lescano & Duckett, P.A.
1991 - 1991
Legal Intern, Public Defender - 17th Judicial Circuit
Associations
2014 - Present
Canadian Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Nova Scotia Barristers' SocietyMember/Barrister & Solicitor
2004 - Present
American Constitution Society for Law and PolicyMember
2009 - 2013
ACLU of Central FloridaCo-Chair - Legal Panel
2005 - 2011
First Amendment Lawyers AssociationMember
2004 - 2012
American Jewish CongressBoard of Directors - S.E. Region
2004 - 2013
Florida Democratic Lawyers' CouncilRegional Co-Lead Counsel
2003 - 2012
George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of CourtBarrister
2002 - 2013
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2001 - 2012
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1999 - 2002
National Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
1993 - 2012
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Florida v. John Stelmack
Conviction and Sentence Reversed
Clinton McCowen Matter
Client Vindication
State of Florida v. Nicolas Ortiz
Case Dismissed by State.
Kent J. Nauman v. Springwood Condo Ass'n
Disability Rights Vindicated by FL HRC
In Re Maureen Bell
Client Wins Election Recount
State of Florida v. Elizabeth Book
Client Acquitted.
State of Florida v. Brant Copple
State Reduces Charge to Misdemeanor
State of Florida v. Lloyd Barnard
State Reduces Charge for Below Guidelines Plea
State of Florida v. Carlos Lopez-Alonso
Client plea.
State of Florida v. Christopher Wilson
State dropped 296 counts, including felony.
State of Florida v. Brian Doyle
United States v. Karen Fletcher
Client opted to plead to house arrest.
United States v. Gerald Green
Client found guilty of FCPA violations.
Veranda Partners, LLC v. Giles
Client Wins Default Judgment
Rhodes v. Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores
Successful Settlement
Bee's Automotive & Wayne Weatherbee v. City of Clermont
Preliminary Injunction Granted
Education
1996
The Florida State University College of Law
Juris Doctor - Cum Laude
1993
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Summa Cum Laude
1989
Nova High School
Diploma - With Honors
Speaking Engagements
2013
WFTV Channel 9 News
Whistleblower Retaliation
2013
Dr. Drew on Call
Trayvon Martin Case
2012
Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell
Trayvon Martin Case
2012
Anderson Cooper 360
Trayvon Martin Case
2011
Political Commentary on New Florida Governor
Rick Scott's Political Agenda
2011
National Public Radio News
The Voting Rights Act & DoJ Submission Requirements
2011
FOX-News
The Unconstitutionality of the Ten Commandments at the Courthouse
2011
Day in the Life: Civil Rights & Public Interest Law
Civil Rights Litigation
2011
Central Florida News 13
Capital Punishment & The Casey Anthony Case
2011
ABC/WFTV - Channel 9 News
Drug Testing of Recipients of Public Assistance
2010
Where Do We Go From Here? Law in the Instant Media Age
Ethics & Instant Media
2010
WDBO-AM Radio - First Amendment Victory in Federal Court
First Amendment Court Victory vs. City of Clermont
2010
Understanding Civil Rights for Special Needs
Civil Rights & Liberties
2010
The Mike Malloy Show
Election Fraud in Florida
2010
Taxpayer Bill of Rights
Due Process Rights of Taxpayers
2010
Tax Investigations by the IRS
Tax Payer Rights Upon Confronted by IRS Investigation
2010
Say What You Want??
Free Speech & Privacy on the Internet
2010
Privacy in the Public Sphere
Constitutionality of Municipal Electronic Surveillance
2010
News Report on Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit
Civil Rights Lawsuit vs. City of Clermont for First Amendment Violations
2010
Local Television News Appearance
Constitutionality of School Uniforms
2010
FOX-35 News Commentary
Unconstitutionality of Arizona's Immigration Law
2010
Employee Rights
Wage and Hour Laws & Child Labor Laws
2010
Discussion on Child Pornography & Computer Hackers Implication of the Innocent
Internet & Criminal Law
2010
Debate - School Prayer
Constitutionality of School Prayer and Related State Statute
2010
Central Florida Inns of Court Practice Series
Ethical Practices During Closing Arguments
2009
WFTV
Internet Defamation
2009
WFTV
Constitutionality of Potential SLAPP Action vs. Website Publisher
2009
Voice of America News
Three Dimensional Demonstrative Exhibits in the Courtroom
2009
Discussion on the Rights of Guantanamo Detainees
Civil Rights & Liberties
2008
WFTV Commentary
Casey Anthony Defamation Case
2008
WFTV
Voter Protection
2008
All Out Against the War in Iraq
Misplaced Priorities: The Opportunity Costs of the War Against Iraq
2008
"Intersection" - NPR
Establishment Clause Violations Posed By Proposed Florida Constitutional Amendments
2007
"The Stephanie Miller Show"
Discussion of Federal Tort Claims Law & Prisoner Rights
2007
"The Big Story" - FNC
First Amendment Rights & Restrictions on Free Speech
2007
"Sqauwk Box" - CNBC
Ramifications of Prohibitions on Internet Gaming
2006
Federalist Society Debate Series
Affirmative Action & the Grutter/Gratz Opinions
2006
"The Big Story" - FNC
Constitutionality of Sexual Offender Residential & Travel Restrictions
2005
Federalist Society Debate Series
Constitutional Legitimacy of the Kelo/Takings Case
2005
"The O'Reilly Factor" - FNC
Constitutional Implications of Federal Sex Offender Legislation
2005
"Flashpoint" - WKMG
Iraq War; Bush Environmental Policies; Civil Rights
2004
National Security vs. Civil Liberties
Post-9/11 Limitations on Civil Liberties
2004
Federalist Society Debate Series
Constitutional Legitimacy of Bush v. Gore
N/A
FALA Semi-Annual Conference
Internet Law Updates - Co-Author of Semi-Annual Update
N/A
Election Protection Seminars for Attorneys
Voting Rights & Election Protection
Publications
2008
The Heritage Newspaper
Op-Ed: "If You Think Twice, It's Not Alright"
2008
"The New Statesman"
"Obscenity Trial?"
2007
The Heritage Newspaper
Op-Ed: "So You Say You Want a Revolution?"
2006
The Heritage Newspaper
Op-Ed: "What's Going On? Civility in Legal Practice"
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is it legal to work 10 hours straight with out a brake or a lunch break.?
17 Jan 2013
Q&A
In an appeals court, can you reply to a response to a motion that you filed?
02 May 2012
Q&A
Harassment from an inmate
04 Jul 2010