Derek J. Poulsen, Immigration Attorney in Cerritos, California
Over 10 years of legal practice
Managing Attorney - San DiegoatWilner & O'Reilly, APLC
Cerritos, CA
Practicing immigration in Cerritos since 2016.
- 10+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Derek J. Poulsen is a managing attorney - san diego based in Cerritos, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Derek has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC.
- Based in
- Cerritos, CA
- Experience
- over 10 years
- Known for
- Immigration
- Handles Immigration matters from Cerritos, CA.
- Over 10 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Derek J. Poulsen: Derek J. Poulsen is a managing attorney - san diego based in Cerritos, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Derek has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Derek J. Poulsen
Derek concentrates on immigration. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Immigration cases in Cerritos, California
Derek takes immigration matters in Cerritos, 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
About Derek J. Poulsen — Over 10 years of California immigration experience
Derek J. Poulsen is a managing attorney - san diego based in Cerritos, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Derek has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC.
As the managing attorney at the San Diego office of Wilner & O’Reilly, APLC, Derek Poulsen is a dedicated legal professional admitted to the Iowa State Bar and the Nebraska State Bar. Focusing in removal defense cases, Mr. Poulsen adeptly represents clients before the Immigration Court and on appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Mr. Poulsen's academic journey began at Utah State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Minor in Spanish. His commitment to excellence continued at Creighton University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. During law school, Mr. Poulsen showcased his legal prowess as a member of Creighton’s National Trial Team, earning the prestigious Honorable Lyle E. Strom Trial Advocacy Award.
With a rich background in immigration law, Mr. Poulsen previously worked at the immigration law office of Jason Finch and Associates, PC, LLO, in Omaha, Nebraska. His practice included a focus on removal defense and criminal defense, providing him with valuable insights into the intersection of criminal activity and immigration consequences. His extensive knowledge is inclusive of various immigration matters, including family-based immigration, U-Visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas, and 601/601A waivers.
In Nebraska, Mr. Poulsen demonstrated his commitment to community service by providing pro bono legal services at the Latino Center of the Midlands, offering crucial legal advice to immigrants in need.
Mr. Poulsen's professional journey is enriched by his past roles, including attorney and law clerk at Jason Finch and Associates, PC. LLO, and a legal intern at the Utah First District Court. Additionally, his affiliation with the J. Reuben Clark Law Society from 2014 to 2018 reflects his commitment to professional development and legal excellence. As a leading figure in removal defense, Mr. Poulsen contributes to Wilner & O’Reilly's mission of providing top-tier legal services in the field of immigration law.
Fluent in Spanish and fueled by a deep appreciation for Hispanic culture from his time in Peru, Mr. Poulsen brings a culturally sensitive approach to his practice. Outside of work, he finds joy in spending time with his wife and four children, exploring the world through travel, engaging in hands-on building projects, and, in good spirits, attempting to improve his golf game.
Derek's approach to immigration cases
As the managing attorney at the San Diego office of Wilner & O’Reilly, APLC, Derek Poulsen is a dedicated legal professional admitted to the Iowa State Bar and the Nebraska State Bar. Focusing in removal defense cases, Mr. Poulsen adeptly represents clients before the Immigration Court and on appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. Mr. Poulsen's academic journey began at Utah State…
The kind of cases Derek takes
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for immigration matters in Cerritos and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Derek J. Poulsen's legal education and bar admissions
Creighton University School of Law
J.D. · 2014
Utah State University
B.S. Sociology · 2015
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
Nebraska
2017 · ACTIVE
Iowa
2016 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S. Sociology in Utah State University.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S. Sociology in Utah State University. 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.
Locations
Derek J. Poulsen's office in Cerritos
Derek's primary office is at 17777 Center Court Drive, Suite 200, Cerritos, CA, 90703. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC
17777 Center Court Drive, Suite 200
Cerritos, CA 90703
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Derek J. Poulsen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new immigration 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 immigration attorney in Cerritos, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many immigration 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 immigration practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every immigration 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 immigration practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek J. Poulsen
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a immigration 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 immigration attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do immigration cases in California typically take?
Simple immigration 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 Cerritos?
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 immigration 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
Immigration attorneys serving Cerritos, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Derek handles immigration matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified immigration attorneys in that community.
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