Atty. L. Derek Byrd
Derek Byrd was born and raised in Sarasota . He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B.
Profile Summary
About L. Derek Byrd at a glance
L. Derek Byrd is an attorney based in Sarasota, Florida, practforg at The Byrd Law Firm PA. They haand 30+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1996. Admitted to practice in Florida (1996). Educated at Quinnipiac University (J.D., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Sarasota, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Derek Byrd was born and raised in Sarasota
- He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B. A. in Criminology
- He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995 graduating cum laude
- After being admitted to the Florida Bar in early 1996, Derek went to work for the Public Defender’s Office in Sarasota, where he gained extensive and valuable trial experience
- He opened The Byrd Law Firm in 1998
- Mr. Byrd is Board Certified in Criminal Law
- He is a Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Statewide Chapter
- He also served as the President of the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 1999 – 2001
- Additionally, Mr. Byrd is a Past President of the Sarasota County Bar Association
- He is also a member of the Judge John M. Scheb Inn of Court
- Mr. Byrd has served on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee
- He is licensed in all State Courts and the Federal Court, Middle District of Florida
- Mr. Byrd has written articles for the Defender magazine and spoken at FACDL seminars
- He is a Life Member of FACDL, a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
- His wife, Heather, is not only his partner in life but also his Partner in The Byrd Law Firm, and her practice is concentrated on family law
- For more information on Derek please visit Derek's Byrd Law Firm page
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Florida
Practforg law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Sarasota are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Sarasota or all attorneys in Florida.
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