Derek Smith

Derek Smith is an experienced defense counsel with over 25 years of expertise in handling complex personal injury and environmental contamination claims. Currently, they serve as a partner at Venable LLP, leading the PFAS and Emerging Contaminants team, as well as the Chemical and Specialty Materials team. Derek has previously held partner positions at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP. They earned their law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and are pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at The University of Toledo. Deeply committed to understanding their clients' needs, Derek collaborates to achieve effective solutions while balancing industry interests with public health and environmental concerns.