Derek Hildreth Wilson, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Health Care · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Derek Hildreth Wilson?
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Quick answer
Derek Hildreth Wilson is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Health Care. Derek has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Health Care
- Handles Business, General, and Health Care matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Derek Hildreth Wilson: Derek Hildreth Wilson is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Health Care. Derek has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Derek takes on
Derek concentrates on business, general, health care, ip, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Health Care
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IP
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M&A
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
Derek takes business matters in San Francisco, California. 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 San Francisco, California
Derek takes general matters in San Francisco, California. 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.
Health Care cases in San Francisco, California
Derek takes health care matters in San Francisco, California. 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.
IP cases in San Francisco, California
Derek takes ip matters in San Francisco, California. 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.
M&A cases in San Francisco, California
Derek takes m&a matters in San Francisco, California. 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
Meet Derek Hildreth Wilson — business lawyer in San Francisco
Derek Hildreth Wilson is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Health Care. Derek has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Derek Hildreth Wilson is a lawyer practicing mergers & acquisitions, technology transactions, corporate securities and 5 other areas of law. Derek received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1982, and has been licensed for 39 years. Derek practices in San Francisco, CA.
Working with Derek on a business matter
Derek Hildreth Wilson is a lawyer practicing mergers & acquisitions, technology transactions, corporate securities and 5 other areas of law. Derek received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1982, and has been licensed for 39 years. Derek practices in San Francisco, CA.
Who Derek represents
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and health care matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard Law School
J.D. · 1986
University of Wisconsin
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
New York
2025 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1989 · ACTIVE
California
1987 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in University of Wisconsin.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in University of Wisconsin. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Derek has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Derek's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Activities Mr
membership
Wilson is admitted to practice law in California and is a member of the American Bar Association and Bar Association of San Francisco
membership
Mr
membership
Wilson also is licensed to practice in Japan as a Gaikokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi
membership
He has published numerous articles and speaks on legal topics relating to corporate finance, intellectual property licensing and strategic alliances
membership
Locations
Derek Hildreth Wilson's office in San Francisco
Derek's primary office is at 1 Maritime Plz 18fl, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Derek Hildreth Wilson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 business attorneys in San Francisco.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Derek Hildreth Wilson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Derek Hildreth Wilson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business 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 business attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek Hildreth Wilson
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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 San Francisco?
Derek is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 business 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
Business attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Derek handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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