Atty. Derek Coolidge Smith
Dr. Derek Coolidge Smith is a lawyer practicing energy & utilities, oil & gas, international litigation & arbitration and 6 other areas of law.
Energy / Utilities & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 38+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Derek Coolidge Smith at a Glance
Derek Coolidge Smith is a Partner based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Foley Hoag Llp. They have 38+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1988. Their practice focuses on litigation, adr, maritime, energy, and international. Admitted to practice in Virginia (Inactive) (1988) and District of Columbia (2000). Educated at University of Seville (Ph.D., 1998) and University of Virginia School of Law (J.D. Order, 1988). Active member of American Society of International Law International Bar Association. Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Derek Coolidge Smith
- Dr. Derek Coolidge Smith is a lawyer practicing energy & utilities, oil & gas, international litigation & arbitration and 6 other areas of law
- Derek received a Ph.D. degree from University of Seville in 1998, and has been licensed for 38 years
- Derek practices at Foley Hoag LLP in Washington, DC
Practice Areas Explained
Derek Coolidge Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derek Coolidge Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Civil Litigation in Washington
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Derek Coolidge Smith is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in District of Columbia →
Mediation & Arbitration in Washington
Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.
Derek Coolidge Smith is one of 73,315 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in District of Columbia →
Maritime & Admiralty Law in Washington
Maritime attorneys for Jones Act claims, longshore injury, cruise ship cases, and offshore matters.
Derek Coolidge Smith is one of 11,459 maritime attorneys indexed nationally. Browse maritime attorneys in District of Columbia →
Energy & Utilities Law in Washington
Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.
Derek Coolidge Smith is one of 35,985 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in District of Columbia →
International Law in Washington
International law attorneys for cross-border transactions, trade, foreign investment, and treaties.
Derek Coolidge Smith is one of 39,787 international attorneys indexed nationally. Browse international attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Washington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose Derek Coolidge Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Derek Coolidge Smith's practice in the field of litigation, adr, maritime, energy, and international.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Derek Coolidge Smith brings 38+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Virginia (Inactive) and District of Columbia, Derek Coolidge Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering litigation, adr, and maritime, Derek Coolidge Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means Derek Coolidge Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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How People Find Derek Coolidge Smith Online
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Derek Coolidge Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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