Derek David McLeod, Appellate Attorney in Southfield, Michigan
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Aviation, and Business · 5.0/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews
PartneratTaft
Southfield, MI
Practicing appellate in Southfield since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 7 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Derek David McLeod?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Derek David McLeod is a partner based in Southfield, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and Business. Derek has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Taft. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
- Based in
- Southfield, MI
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Aviation · Business
- Handles Appellate, Aviation, and Business matters from Southfield, MI.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Derek David McLeod: Derek David McLeod is a partner based in Southfield, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and Business. Derek has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Taft. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Derek David McLeod
Derek concentrates on appellate, aviation, business, employment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
View other Appellate attorneys
Aviation
View other Aviation attorneys
Business
View other Business attorneys
Employment
View other Employment attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Appellate cases in Southfield, Michigan
Derek takes appellate matters in Southfield, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Aviation cases in Southfield, Michigan
Derek takes aviation matters in Southfield, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Southfield, Michigan
Derek takes business matters in Southfield, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Southfield, Michigan
Derek takes employment matters in Southfield, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
General cases in Southfield, Michigan
Derek takes general matters in Southfield, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Derek David McLeod — Over 23 years of Michigan appellate experience
Derek David McLeod is a partner based in Southfield, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and Business. Derek has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Taft. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
Derek David McLeod is a lawyer practicing antitrust, appellate practice, aviation law and 5 other areas of law. Derek received a B.A. degree from The Citadel in 2000, and has been licensed for 23 years. Derek practices at Taft in Southfield, MI.
Derek's approach to appellate cases
Derek David McLeod is a lawyer practicing antitrust, appellate practice, aviation law and 5 other areas of law. Derek received a B.A. degree from The Citadel in 2000, and has been licensed for 23 years. Derek practices at Taft in Southfield, MI.
The kind of cases Derek takes
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, aviation, and business matters in Southfield and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Derek David McLeod's legal education and bar admissions
Northeastern University
J.D. Northeastern · 2003
The Citadel
B.A. · 2000
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
Ohio
2020 · ACTIVE
Florida
2006 · ACTIVE
Michigan
2003 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at J.D. Northeastern in Northeastern University and B.A. in The Citadel.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed J.D. Northeastern in Northeastern University and B.A. in The Citadel. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Derek David McLeod
Derek has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Derek's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Michigan
membership
Locations
Derek David McLeod's office in Southfield
Derek's primary office is at 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 2500, Southfield, MI, 48034-8214. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Derek David McLeod — 5.0/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Derek. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Southfield.
5.0
7 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Derek David McLeod claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Derek David McLeod — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Derek usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Derek charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Derek will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Southfield, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Derek
Derek discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Derek confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Derek's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek David McLeod
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Derek walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Derek offer a free consultation?
Derek charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Derek gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Derek take my case if I'm outside Southfield?
Derek is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Derek will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Derek?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Derek will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Derek accepting new appellate clients right now?
Derek's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Southfield, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
Derek handles appellate matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Michigan
If Derek's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Southfield handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





