I grew up in rural Conway, SC, and my first job was at the age of six as a farmhand on my grandfather's tobacco farm in Horry County. I have worked and made money every year since. Hot, humid summer days in the tobacco fields were my inspiration to get a good education and work in a climate-controlled environment.
My father was a high school teacher and football coach who had been co-captain of the 1957 South Carolina Gamecock football team. Coach Derrick was very competitive, and his children were raised to compete to win in anything they pursue. Everything was a competition including who could be the most productive in their summertime farming jobs, who could make the best grades in school, and who could win a particular athletic competition.
I earned a football scholarship to Wofford College where I played for four years. After graduating, I coached college football at East Tennessee State University for one year where I met my wife, Michelle. We were married in 1985, the same year I began law school at the University of South Carolina. I graduated in 1987 and began practicing in Horry County in 1988. Due to early success in the courtroom, I worked my way into a partnership after just three years. In 1991, I left the partnership and established Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers.
I am a founding member and elder of The Rock, Conway's Community Church, and have been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for over 45 years. My wife and I have two sons, Dakota and Peyton, the perfect daughter-in-law, Taylor, and two grandchildren, Abel and Winnie.
Biography provided by Trial Lawyers University.
