Derek L. Harper

A native of Lancaster, South Carolina, Derek received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2007 from Presbyterian College. While at Presbyterian, Derek was named to the Dean’s List, worked in the student center, and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Immediately after receiving his undergraduate degree, Derek entered law school and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2010. While attending law school, Derek studied abroad at the St. Mary’s University Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck, Austria, where he studied under an international faculty, including United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. When not practicing law, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, as well as traveling, fellowship with friends, and hunting and fishing throughout the Carolinas and beyond.

Practice Areas

Automobile Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Catastrophic Injury
Wrongful Death
Premises Liability
Probate Administration

Education

Charlotte School of Law, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Juris Doctor, 2010
Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
- Bachelor of Science, 2007

Bar Admissions

South Carolina, 2011

Professional Associations and Memberships

South Carolina Bar Association
Lancaster County Bar Association
South Carolina Association for Justice
National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40

EXPERIENCE

After completing his education, Derek decided that the best use of his legal education would be to serve his hometown area. He began his legal career at a small law firm in Lancaster, where he represented clients on a broad range of matters, including domestic, civil, criminal, and probate issues. Derek joined the Schiller & Hamilton team in 2016 and is now a partner, managing the firm’s office in downtown Lancaster. Derek has narrowed the focus of his practice to plaintiff’s litigation, including automobile accidents, catastrophic injuries, and premises liability, and has secured nearly ten million dollars in compensation on behalf of his injured clients. Derek continues to enjoy providing premier legal representation and personal service to the communities of Lancaster, Indian Land, and Kershaw, as well as the surrounding counties of Chester, Kershaw, and Chesterfield.

SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENTS

A lifelong outdoorsman, Derek achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2001 while a member of Troop 72 of the Boy Scouts of America in Lancaster. Since 2015, Derek has served as an active volunteer leader with Ducks Unlimited, serving as the Area Chairman of the Lancaster County Chapter, as well as holding a chair on the South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Committee.

In 2013, Derek graduated from the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Lancaster” program, a course designed to educate community leaders about the history, needs, and goals of Lancaster County. For four years running, Derek has been named a member of The National Trial Lawyer’s Top 40 Under 40 for South Carolina.