Derek S. Whitefield's national trial practice is focused on the defense of product manufacturers, business entities, and insurers. Mr. Whitefield is the former Leader of the Firm's Product Liability Practice Group, and an elected member of the Firm's Executive Board. Mr. Whitefield is recognized among the top six lawyers nationwide for automotive product liability, mass tort and class actions by Legal 500 US 2021 and clients quoted in Chambers USA 2021describe Mr. Whitefield as “a very smart and diligent lawyer who is easy to work with and a team player; he is well known and well respected in the field."

Bar Admissions

Michigan, 1985

California, 1993

Texas (inactive), 2005

Education
Wayne State University, J.D., cum laude Honors College and James Madison College at Michigan State University, B.A.

• Phi Beta Kappa

• Los Angeles Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• American Bar Association
• State Bar of California
• State Bar of Michigan

• SAE TOPTEC on airbags (1997), Product Liability Advisory Council (1994).
  - "ABA Emerging Issues In Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation conference (2002, 1994) "

• , "A New Electronic Witness - EDRs in Motor Vehicles", Automotive Litigation Reporter, Vol. 26, No. 8, October 2006, Thomson/Westlaw