Derek Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Tacoma, Washington
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatSmith & White, PLLC
Tacoma, WA
Practicing civil rights in Tacoma since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Derek Smith?
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Quick answer
Derek Smith is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury. Derek has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & White, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Tacoma, WA
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · Personal Injury
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury matters from Tacoma, WA.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Derek Smith: Derek Smith is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury. Derek has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & White, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Derek takes on
Derek concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Personal Injury
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Civil Rights cases in Tacoma, Washington
Derek takes civil rights matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.
Criminal Defense cases in Tacoma, Washington
Derek takes criminal defense matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.
Personal Injury cases in Tacoma, Washington
Derek takes personal injury matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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 Smith — civil rights lawyer in Tacoma
Derek Smith is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury. Derek has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & White, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
I was a prosecutor for 15 years for the cities of Kent and Seattle. I serve or have served as a pro tem judge for the cities of Kent, Federal Way, Des Moines, Algona/Pacific and Issaquah. Since 2011 I have practiced as a defense attorney doing criminal defense, civil rights restoration, and protection order litigation. I represent individuals on cases from murder in the first degree to traffic infractions.
Featured Cases and Matters
Murder in the second degree – Not guilty at trial – February 2015
Four counts of Assault in the First Degree – Not guilty at trial December 2015
Robbery in the first degree – Not guilty at trial December 2014
Burglary in the second degree – case dismissed September 2018
Theft in the first degree – case dismissed March 2016
Assault in the second degree domestic violence – case sent to diversion April 2018
Assault in the second degree domestic violence – case dismissed April 2018
Assault in the second degree – case dismissed March 2018
Articles
Gun Law in Washington:
May 2016
Title 2 Firearms- unique and misunderstood
November 2017
State and Federal Firearms Law
Title 1 Firearms
Title 2 Firearms
Liability Concerns for Gun Owners/Dealers
Ethical Considerations When Representing Gun Owners
November 2018
State and Federal Firearms Law
Title 1 Firearms
Title 2 Firearms
Liability Concerns for Gun Owners/Dealers
Non-Legal Activities
Judicial Candidate 2018, City of Tacoma
Past President, St. Marks
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
• Washington State Bar Association
Member Since: 1996
Rules Committee – 2012-13
Character and Fitness Board 2013-15
• North Dakota Bar Association
Member Since: 2012
How Derek handles civil rights matters
I was a prosecutor for 15 years for the cities of Kent and Seattle. I serve or have served as a pro tem judge for the cities of Kent, Federal Way, Des Moines, Algona/Pacific and Issaquah. Since 2011 I have practiced as a defense attorney doing criminal defense, civil rights restoration, and protection order litigation. I represent individuals on cases from murder in the first degree to traffic…
Who Derek represents
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and personal injury matters in Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Seattle University, School of Law
J.D. · 1996
University of California - Davis
B.A. · 1991
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
North Dakota
2012 · ACTIVE
Washington
1996 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at J.D. in Seattle University, School of Law and B.A. in University of California - Davis.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed J.D. in Seattle University, School of Law and B.A. in University of California - Davis. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Derek's professional memberships and bar associations
Washington State Bar Association North Dakota Bar Association
membership
Locations
Derek Smith's office in Tacoma
Derek's primary office is at 717 Tacoma Avenue South, Suite C, Tacoma, WA, 98402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Derek Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 2 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 civil rights attorneys in Tacoma.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Derek Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Derek Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Tacoma, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek Smith
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Washington typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Tacoma?
Derek is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington 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 civil rights 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
Civil Rights attorneys serving Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Derek handles civil rights matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Washington
If Derek's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Tacoma handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
