Atty. Derek Lawrence Shaffer
Mr. Derek Lawrence Shaffer is a lawyer practicing administrative law, commercial, constitutional and 8 other areas of law.
Administrative Law & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 25+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Derek Lawrence Shaffer at a Glance
Derek Lawrence Shaffer is a Partner based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. They have 25+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2001. Their practice focuses on business, ip, class action, trade secrets, and white collar. Admitted to practice in California (2001), District of Columbia (2002), and New York (2021). Educated at Stanford University (J.D., 2000) and Cornell University (B.S., 1996). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Derek Lawrence Shaffer
- Mr. Derek Lawrence Shaffer is a lawyer practicing administrative law, commercial, constitutional and 8 other areas of law
- Derek received a B.S. degree from Cornell University in 1996, and has been licensed for 25 years
- Derek practices at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP in Washington, DC
Practice Areas Explained
Derek Lawrence Shaffer's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derek Lawrence Shaffer handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Business & Corporate Law in Washington
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Derek Lawrence Shaffer is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in District of Columbia →
Intellectual Property in Washington
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
Derek Lawrence Shaffer is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in District of Columbia →
Class Action in Washington
Derek Lawrence Shaffer is one of 26,226 class action attorneys indexed nationally. Browse class action attorneys in District of Columbia →
Trade Secrets in Washington
Derek Lawrence Shaffer is one of 6,604 trade secrets attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trade secrets attorneys in District of Columbia →
White Collar Crimes in Washington
Derek Lawrence Shaffer is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar 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.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose Derek Lawrence Shaffer
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 Lawrence Shaffer's practice in the field of business, ip, class action, trade secrets, and white collar.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Derek Lawrence Shaffer brings 25+ 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 California, District of Columbia, and New York, Derek Lawrence Shaffer can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, ip, and class action, Derek Lawrence Shaffer 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 Lawrence Shaffer attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Derek Lawrence Shaffer Handles in Washington
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Derek Lawrence Shaffer has experience with under District of Columbia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Derek Lawrence Shaffer directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Derek Lawrence Shaffer Online
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Derek Lawrence Shaffer's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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