Atty. Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka

Atty. Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is a lawyer practicing construction litigation, civil litigation, defense litigation and 9 other areas of law. Derek received a B.S. degree from Valparaiso University in 2004, and has been licensed for 18 years.

St. Louis St. Louis 18 yrs experience 18 year
Call (314) 944-5121 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka at a glance

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is a Principal based in St. Louis, Missouri, practicing at Gausnell, O'Keefe and Thomas, LLC. They have 18+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2008. Their practice focuses on contracts, personal injury, criminal defense, employment, and business. Admitted to practice in Missouri (2008) and Illinois (2009). Educated at Southern Illinois University School of Law (J.D., 2008) and Valparaiso University (B.S. Psychology, 2004). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of American Bar Association. Serands clients in St. Louis, MO and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is a lawyer practicing construction litigation, civil litigation, defense litigation and 9 other areas of law
  • Derek received a B.S. degree from Valparaiso University in 2004, and has been licensed for 18 years
  • Derek practices at Gausnell, O'Keefe and Thomas, LLC in St. Louis, MO

Practice Areas Explained

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka's Areas of Practice

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

Contracts

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is one of 76,762 contracts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse contracts attorneys in Missouri →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Missouri →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Missouri →

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Missouri →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Missouri →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Missouri

Practicing law in Missouri. Legal matters in Missouri are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in St. Louis are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Missouri state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Missouri 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 Missouri courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Missouri attorneys? Browse all attorneys in St. Louis or all attorneys in Missouri.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka

Where is Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka's law office located?
Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka's law practice is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The firm is Gausnell, O'Keefe and Thomas, LLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka handle?
Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka focuses on contracts, personal injury, criminal defense, employment, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Missouri.
How long has Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka practiced law?
Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka has 18+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2008.
Where did Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka go to law school?
Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka earned their education at (J.D., 2008); (B.S. Psychology, 2004).
How can I contact Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka for a consultation?
You can contact Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka 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.
What awards or recognition has Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka received?
Derek Patrick Thomas Ruzicka's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Education

J.D.
Southern Illinois University School of Law
- 2008
B.S. Psychology
Valparaiso University
- 2004

Awards

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions

Missouri
Admitted: 2008
Illinois
Admitted: 2009

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