
Derek Scott Whitefield, General Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on General, Insurance, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 29 verified client reviews
MemberatDykema
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing general in Los Angeles since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 29 client reviews
- 9
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Derek Scott Whitefield?
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Quick answer
Derek Scott Whitefield is a member based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and IP. Derek has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dykema. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 29 client reviews.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- General · Insurance · IP
- Handles General, Insurance, and IP matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Derek Scott Whitefield: Derek Scott Whitefield is a member based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and IP. Derek has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dykema. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 29 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Derek's practice areas in Los Angeles
Derek concentrates on general, insurance, ip, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Insurance
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IP
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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General cases in Los Angeles, California
Derek takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Insurance cases in Los Angeles, California
Derek takes insurance matters in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, California
Derek takes ip matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Derek takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Product Liability cases in Los Angeles, California
Derek takes product liability matters in Los Angeles, 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
Derek Scott Whitefield, general attorney serving Los Angeles
Derek Scott Whitefield is a member based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and IP. Derek has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dykema. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 29 client reviews. Derek works from Los Angeles, California and takes on general matters across the region.
Derek Scott Whitefield is a lawyer practicing automotive, litigation, insurance and 4 other areas of law. Derek received a degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University, and has been licensed for 41 years. Derek practices at Dykema in Los Angeles, CA.
Derek's approach to general cases
Derek Scott Whitefield is a lawyer practicing automotive, litigation, insurance and 4 other areas of law. Derek received a degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University, and has been licensed for 41 years. Derek practices at Dykema in Los Angeles, CA.
Clients Derek works with
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, insurance, and ip matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Derek studied and practices
Wayne State University J.D. cum laude
—
James Madison College at Michigan State University B.A. Phi Beta Kappa
—
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
Texas
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1994 · ACTIVE
California
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1988 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at — in Wayne State University J.D. cum laude and — in James Madison College at Michigan State University B.A. Phi Beta Kappa.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed — in Wayne State University J.D. cum laude and — in James Madison College at Michigan State University B.A. Phi Beta Kappa. 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
Derek's legal honors and published work
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
Los Angeles County and American Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan State Bar of California State Bar of Texas Defense Research Institute
membership
Locations
Derek Scott Whitefield's office in Los Angeles
Derek's primary office is at 333 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Derek Scott Whitefield — 5.0/5 rating from 29 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 general attorneys in Los Angeles.
5.0
29 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Derek Scott Whitefield claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Derek Scott Whitefield — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek Scott Whitefield
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in California typically take?
Simple general 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 Los Angeles?
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 general 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
General attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Derek handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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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