
Derek Wayne Edwards, Bankruptcy Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 · 4.6/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews
PartneratWaller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP
Nashville, TN
Practicing bankruptcy in Nashville since 2000.
- 26+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 8 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Derek Wayne Edwards?
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Quick answer
Derek Wayne Edwards is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Derek has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 26 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Chapter 11
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Derek Wayne Edwards: Derek Wayne Edwards is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Derek has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Derek takes on
Derek concentrates on bankruptcy, business, chapter 11, chapter 7, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Chapter 11
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Chapter 7
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General
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Derek takes bankruptcy matters in Nashville, Tennessee. 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 Nashville, Tennessee
Derek takes business matters in Nashville, Tennessee. 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.
Chapter 11 cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Derek takes chapter 11 matters in Nashville, Tennessee. 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.
Chapter 7 cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Derek takes chapter 7 matters in Nashville, Tennessee. 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 Nashville, Tennessee
Derek takes general matters in Nashville, Tennessee. 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 Wayne Edwards — bankruptcy lawyer in Nashville
Derek Wayne Edwards is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Derek has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
Derek Wayne Edwards is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy / chapter 7, bankruptcy / chapter 11, financial services litigation and 4 other areas of law. Derek received a degree from Vanderbilt Law School, and has been licensed for 26 years. Derek practices at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP in Nashville, TN.
Derek's approach to bankruptcy cases
Derek Wayne Edwards is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy / chapter 7, bankruptcy / chapter 11, financial services litigation and 4 other areas of law. Derek received a degree from Vanderbilt Law School, and has been licensed for 26 years. Derek practices at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP in Nashville, TN.
The kind of cases Derek takes
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and chapter 11 matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Vanderbilt University Law School
JD · 2000
Vanderbilt Law School Duke University B.A.
—
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
Tennessee U.S. Distr
2001 · ACTIVE
California United St
2000 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at JD in Vanderbilt University Law School and — in Vanderbilt Law School Duke University B.A..
Law school and academic background
Derek completed JD in Vanderbilt University Law School and — in Vanderbilt Law School Duke University B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in Tennessee 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.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Derek's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional •Member, Nashville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations •Member, ATM Industry Association •Member, Defense Research Institute (DRI) Prior affiliations: •Attorney, Washington D
membership
C
membership
•Piloted USS Gettysburg to and from the Persian Gulf, including two transits through the Suez Canal Community •Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars •Member, Westminster Presbyterian Church
membership
Locations
Derek Wayne Edwards's office in Nashville
Derek's primary office is at Nashville City Center, 511 Union Street, Suite 2700, Nashville, TN, 37219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP
Nashville City Center, 511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, TN 37219
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Derek Wayne Edwards — 4.6/5 rating from 8 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 bankruptcy attorneys in Nashville.
4.6
8 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Derek Wayne Edwards claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Derek Wayne Edwards — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek Wayne Edwards
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Nashville?
Derek is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
Derek handles bankruptcy matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Tennessee
If Derek's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





