MS

Matthew S Derby, Business Attorney in Detroit, Michigan

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Commercial RE, and Education

Shareholder

Detroit, MI

Practicing business in Detroit since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Matthew S Derby is a shareholder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Education. Matthew has over 39 years of legal experience.

Based in
Detroit, MI
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
Business · Commercial RE · Education
  • Handles Business, Commercial RE, and Education matters from Detroit, MI.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Matthew S Derby: Matthew S Derby is a shareholder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Education. Matthew has over 39 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Matthew S Derby

Matthew concentrates on business, commercial re, education, employment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Detroit, Michigan

Matthew takes business matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Commercial RE cases in Detroit, Michigan

Matthew takes commercial re matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Education cases in Detroit, Michigan

Matthew takes education matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Detroit, Michigan

Matthew takes employment matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

General cases in Detroit, Michigan

Matthew takes general matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Matthew S Derby — Over 39 years of Michigan business experience

Matthew S Derby is a shareholder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and Education. Matthew has over 39 years of legal experience.

Matthew S Derby is a lawyer practicing government, corporate law, commercial real estate and 6 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1982, and has been licensed for 39 years. Matthew practices in Detroit, MI.

Working with Matthew on a business matter

Matthew S Derby is a lawyer practicing government, corporate law, commercial real estate and 6 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1982, and has been licensed for 39 years. Matthew practices in Detroit, MI.

Who Matthew represents

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, commercial re, and education matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Matthew S Derby's legal education and bar admissions

  • Wayne State University

    J.D. · 1987

  • University of Michigan

    B.A. · 1982

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Bankruptcy Cour

    2002 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • Michigan

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1987 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in University of Michigan.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations

  • State Bar of Michigan

    Member, Section on Labor Relations Law) American Bar Association (Member: Section on Labor and Employment Law and Litigation · membership

Locations

Matthew S Derby's office in Detroit

Matthew's primary office is at 400 Renaissance Center Suite 3400, Detroit, MI, 48243. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

400 Renaissance Center Suite 3400

Detroit, MI 48243

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew S Derby

Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew S Derby — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew'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; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Detroit, Michigan

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 Matthew

Matthew 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew'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 Matthew S Derby

  • How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

    Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Michigan 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Detroit?

    Matthew is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew 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 Matthew?

    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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Matthew accepting new business clients right now?

    Matthew'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 Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan

Matthew handles business matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Detroit handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.