Derek Smith
Franklin, TN
Licensed for 30 years
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Language
English
About
Former CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE and CHANCELLOR; former DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL PRO-TEMPORE; former DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL; former ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERALCall now for a free consultation. Derek Smith was appointed Judge and Chancellor by Governor Bill Haslam in 2011. As Judge and Chancellor, Derek presided over a host of cases, including civil cases, criminal cases, and divorce cases. Prior to being appointed as Judge, Derek served as Deputy District Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney General for the 21st Judicial District, which includes Williamson, Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. Following his tenure as Judge, Derek served as District Attorney General, pro tempore, where he prosecuted cases in various counties throughout the State of Tennessee. Derek received his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Derek received his undergraduate degrees from Pepperdine University, where he graduated with Honors. Derek is a partner in the law firm of King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP. King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP, is a small firm dedicated to indvidualized service to clients. The firm represents clients in a wide ranging number of ways: wills and trusts; real estate closings; civil litigation; divorce and post-divorce litigation; criminal defense (both felonies and misdemeanors); DUI defense; juvenile defense; child custody disputes; orders of protection; and appeals (both criminal and civil). Becasue of Derek's experience in trying numerous jury trials thougout the Sate of Tennessee, he has amassed a cache of expert witnesses who can provide specialized evidence and testimony in a number of different cutting-edge areas. Aside from practicing law, Derek believes in giving back to his community. Derek served in the United States Navy Reserves, and he stays involved in civic and political organizations.
Practices Areas
Criminal Defense
Family
Juvenile Law
Language
English
Contact
King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP203 3rd Ave SFranklin, TN, 37064-2678203 3rd Ave SFranklin, TN, 37064-2678
Office: N/A
Website: N/AReviews
I hired Derek to represent me in my Domestic case. He is very skilled in the court room. He has great relationships with judges & district attorneys. I would highly recommend him for any legal issues.
After being recommended by a family member, I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Smith's CV from his law firm website. I was encouraged by his wealth of experience, both as a lawyer and a judge. He was very personable and easy to converse with, while maintaining focus on the key points of the case. As my case had several delays for certain reasons such as the COVID breakout, Derek kept me apprised of everything going on with the proceedings. I was provided with all documentation regarding my case including evidence from the incident and court filings. He found several ways of approaching the case, while ending up with the best possible option for my situation. Additionally, the partners at his firm that he is able to confer with can offer their own expertise which he was able to share with me to explain their thoughts and reasoning. The outcome of my case was better than I could ever have expected, but even if that were not the case I am confident I had the best representation possible. I whole heartedly recommend Derek for anyone considering him for their counsel. He is an excellent attorney.
Our family needed legal representation. Other than having our Last Will and Testaments prepared by an attorney, we had zero experience in dealing with the legal system. In selecting an attorney, we wanted someone who had a firm grasp of the law and legal system with extensive experience in the courtroom. Knowing Derek had experience as former Circuit Court Judge and Chancellor and that he had worked in the District Attorney’s office was important to us. During our initial meeting with Derek, we discussed various possible outcomes of our case and attorney fees. He gave us realistic expectations of what to expect throughout the legal process. With his level of expertise and experience, we were expecting our legal fees to be more. There were no unexpected or hidden fees throughout the process. We paid a set fee and always felt free to contact him. We felt very fortunate with the outcome of our case. We have no hesitation in recommending Derek Smith as an attorney.
I hired Derek to address legal issues we were having with the dog breeder that we purchased our German Shepherd from. He took his time to address our needs, and was forceful with the breeder and brought about a positive resolution.
Mr Smith was very prompt and informative. He navigated the judicial system with professionalism. He was readily assessable and continuous open communication. I would highly recommend his services.
Mr Smith was very helpful even when he knew I already had another attorney but she wouldn't answer anything so he did answer some of them for me.
I hired Derek to represent me in my Domestic case. He is very skilled in the court room. He has great relationships with judges & district attorneys. I would highly recommend him for any legal issues.
After being recommended by a family member, I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Smith's CV from his law firm website. I was encouraged by his wealth of experience, both as a lawyer and a judge. He was very personable and easy to converse with, while maintaining focus on the key points of the case. As my case had several delays for certain reasons such as the COVID breakout, Derek kept me apprised of everything going on with the proceedings. I was provided with all documentation regarding my case including evidence from the incident and court filings. He found several ways of approaching the case, while ending up with the best possible option for my situation. Additionally, the partners at his firm that he is able to confer with can offer their own expertise which he was able to share with me to explain their thoughts and reasoning. The outcome of my case was better than I could ever have expected, but even if that were not the case I am confident I had the best representation possible. I whole heartedly recommend Derek for anyone considering him for their counsel. He is an excellent attorney.
Our family needed legal representation. Other than having our Last Will and Testaments prepared by an attorney, we had zero experience in dealing with the legal system. In selecting an attorney, we wanted someone who had a firm grasp of the law and legal system with extensive experience in the courtroom. Knowing Derek had experience as former Circuit Court Judge and Chancellor and that he had worked in the District Attorney’s office was important to us. During our initial meeting with Derek, we discussed various possible outcomes of our case and attorney fees. He gave us realistic expectations of what to expect throughout the legal process. With his level of expertise and experience, we were expecting our legal fees to be more. There were no unexpected or hidden fees throughout the process. We paid a set fee and always felt free to contact him. We felt very fortunate with the outcome of our case. We have no hesitation in recommending Derek Smith as an attorney.
I hired Derek to address legal issues we were having with the dog breeder that we purchased our German Shepherd from. He took his time to address our needs, and was forceful with the breeder and brought about a positive resolution.
Mr Smith was very prompt and informative. He navigated the judicial system with professionalism. He was readily assessable and continuous open communication. I would highly recommend his services.
Mr Smith was very helpful even when he knew I already had another attorney but she wouldn't answer anything so he did answer some of them for me.
I hired Derek to represent me in my Domestic case. He is very skilled in the court room. He has great relationships with judges & district attorneys. I would highly recommend him for any legal issues.
After being recommended by a family member, I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Smith's CV from his law firm website. I was encouraged by his wealth of experience, both as a lawyer and a judge. He was very personable and easy to converse with, while maintaining focus on the key points of the case. As my case had several delays for certain reasons such as the COVID breakout, Derek kept me apprised of everything going on with the proceedings. I was provided with all documentation regarding my case including evidence from the incident and court filings. He found several ways of approaching the case, while ending up with the best possible option for my situation. Additionally, the partners at his firm that he is able to confer with can offer their own expertise which he was able to share with me to explain their thoughts and reasoning. The outcome of my case was better than I could ever have expected, but even if that were not the case I am confident I had the best representation possible. I whole heartedly recommend Derek for anyone considering him for their counsel. He is an excellent attorney.
Our family needed legal representation. Other than having our Last Will and Testaments prepared by an attorney, we had zero experience in dealing with the legal system. In selecting an attorney, we wanted someone who had a firm grasp of the law and legal system with extensive experience in the courtroom. Knowing Derek had experience as former Circuit Court Judge and Chancellor and that he had worked in the District Attorney’s office was important to us. During our initial meeting with Derek, we discussed various possible outcomes of our case and attorney fees. He gave us realistic expectations of what to expect throughout the legal process. With his level of expertise and experience, we were expecting our legal fees to be more. There were no unexpected or hidden fees throughout the process. We paid a set fee and always felt free to contact him. We felt very fortunate with the outcome of our case. We have no hesitation in recommending Derek Smith as an attorney.
I hired Derek to address legal issues we were having with the dog breeder that we purchased our German Shepherd from. He took his time to address our needs, and was forceful with the breeder and brought about a positive resolution.
Mr Smith was very prompt and informative. He navigated the judicial system with professionalism. He was readily assessable and continuous open communication. I would highly recommend his services.
Mr Smith was very helpful even when he knew I already had another attorney but she wouldn't answer anything so he did answer some of them for me.