Our People

Accolades and Recognitions

  • Attorney of the Year; Respondent by U.S. News Best Lawyers 2021
  • Best Lawyer by U.S. News annually since 2019

Presentations and Trainings

  • Presented at Ritsema Colorado Springs Employer Seminar 2017 and 2018
  • Regularly hosts trainings and webinars for clients

Education

Bachelors – Saint Lawrence University 1988

JD – Capital University Law School 1991

States Practicing In

Licensed in Pennsylvania

About

Derek is the managing partner for the Colorado Springs Office with over 30 years of practice experience in the area of workers’ compensation. Before joining Ritsema Law in 2000, he was a shareholder in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, law firm of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, where his practice included the defense of public, private, and self-insured entities in workers’ compensation matters. Derek emphasizes a teamwork approach with his clients in developing strategic litigation plans and attainable goals and is a regular presenter and trainer for the firm’s clients on all aspects of workers’ compensation law.

Derek received his J.D. from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, in 1991 and was honored academically with the American Jurisprudence Award in Property (top grade). He received his undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, in 1988. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, he was named a Best Lawyer in Workers’ Compensation Defense by U.S. News and the Attorney of the Year in 2021.