About Derek

Derek, a founder of Cooley’s Miami office, focuses his practice on representing high-growth companies and their investors from formation through exit. His clients are primarily in the financial technology sector, broadly defined, including cryptocurrency/Web3, insurance, payments, wealth management and lending. He has substantial experience representing issuers and investors in private company financings, along with buyers and sellers in M&A. Derek also regularly advises clients on general corporate issues, securities matters and the implications of proposed business transactions. He has extensive experience representing clients outside the US, including emerging companies and venture capital funds operating in Latin America.

Passions

Besides, interesting things happen along borders – transitions – not in the middle where everything is the same.

I solve legal and business problems for high-growth companies, from startups to publicly traded companies.

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Experience

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Admissions and credentials

  • District of Columbia
  • Florida

Rankings and accolades

The Legal 500 US: Leading Lawyer in Venture Capital and Emerging Companies (2024 – 2025)

Chambers USA: Startups & Emerging Companies – Nationwide (2021 – 2025)

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