Atty. Derek J. Poulsen

Atty. Derek J. Poulsen

As the managing attorney at the San Diego office of Wilner & O’Reilly, APLC, Derek Poulsen is a dedicated legal professional admitted to the Iowa State Bar and the Nebraska State Bar. Focusing in removal defense cases, Mr.

Cerritos Cerritos 10 yrs experience 10 year
Call (818) 574-5629 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Derek J. Poulsen at a glance

Derek J. Poulsen is a Managing Attorney - San Diego based in Cerritos, California, practicing at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC. They have 10+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2016. Their practice focuses on immigration. Admitted to practice in Iowa (2016) and Nebraska (2017). Educated at Utah State University (B.S. Sociology, 2015) and Creighton University School of Law (J.D., 2014). Serands clients in Cerritos, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • As the managing attorney at the San Diego office of Wilner & O’Reilly, APLC, Derek Poulsen is a dedicated legal professional admitted to the Iowa State Bar and the Nebraska State Bar
  • Focusing in removal defense cases, Mr. Poulsen adeptly represents clients before the Immigration Court and on appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals
  • Mr. Poulsen's academic journey began at Utah State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Minor in Spanish
  • His commitment to excellence continued at Creighton University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree
  • During law school, Mr. Poulsen showcased his legal prowess as a member of Creighton’s National Trial Team, earning the prestigious Honorable Lyle E. Strom Trial Advocacy Award
  • With a rich background in immigration law, Mr. Poulsen previously worked at the immigration law office of Jason Finch and Associates, PC, LLO, in Omaha, Nebraska
  • His practice included a focus on removal defense and criminal defense, providing him with valuable insights into the intersection of criminal activity and immigration consequences
  • His extensive knowledge is inclusive of various immigration matters, including family-based immigration, U-Visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas, and 601/601A waivers
  • In Nebraska, Mr. Poulsen demonstrated his commitment to community service by providing pro bono legal services at the Latino Center of the Midlands, offering crucial legal advice to immigrants in need
  • Mr. Poulsen's professional journey is enriched by his past roles, including attorney and law clerk at Jason Finch and Associates, PC. LLO, and a legal intern at the Utah First District Court
  • Additionally, his affiliation with the J. Reuben Clark Law Society from 2014 to 2018 reflects his commitment to professional development and legal excellence
  • As a leading figure in removal defense, Mr. Poulsen contributes to Wilner & O’Reilly's mission of providing top-tier legal services in the field of immigration law
  • Fluent in Spanish and fueled by a deep appreciation for Hispanic culture from his time in Peru, Mr. Poulsen brings a culturally sensitive approach to his practice
  • Outside of work, he finds joy in spending time with his wife and four children, exploring the world through travel, engaging in hands-on building projects, and, in good spirits, attempting to improve his golf game

Practice Areas Explained

Derek J. Poulsen's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derek J. Poulsen handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Immigration Law

Immigration attorneys help with green cards, visas, citizenship, asylum, and deportation defense. Find a verified immigration lawyer for your case.

Derek J. Poulsen is one of 40,633 immigration attorneys indexed nationally. Browse immigration attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Cerritos are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Cerritos or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Derek J. Poulsen

Where is Derek J. Poulsen's law office located?
Derek J. Poulsen's law practice is located in Cerritos, California. The firm is Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Derek J. Poulsen handle?
Derek J. Poulsen focuses on immigration. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Derek J. Poulsen practiced law?
Derek J. Poulsen has 10+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2016.
Where did Derek J. Poulsen go to law school?
Derek J. Poulsen earned their education at (B.S. Sociology, 2015); (J.D., 2014).
How can I contact Derek J. Poulsen for a consultation?
You can contact Derek J. Poulsen directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Practice Areas

Education

B.S. Sociology
Utah State University
- 2015
J.D.
Creighton University School of Law
- 2014

Bar Admissions

Iowa
Admitted: 2016
Nebraska
Admitted: 2017

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