Derek W. Dees graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in English. Derek earned his J.D. from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge in 2011, where he was a member of the Elder Law Clinic and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

Derek began his career as an Administrative Law Judge at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, where he reviewed administrative hearings and drafted recommendations and decisions for Unemployment Insurance appeals. He then worked for Acadiana Legal Services Corporation, providing representation to children in abuse, neglect, and abandonment cases. Derek also provided civil legal aid services in the areas of housing, consumer rights, bankruptcy and other various other civil matters. Before joining Onebane, Derek gained experience at a local title company and personal injury firm, providing real estate closing services with title examination as well as providing representation to clients in automobile personal injury matters.

Derek is a Lafayette native and enjoys attending local music festivals and community events with his family. He is a long-time saxophone player, playing with multiple jazz and big bands since high school. Derek has been married to his wife, Jessica, since 2005. They have two daughters, Charlotte and Eve. Derek enjoys boating and fishing with his family, as well as coaching his daughters in their recreational softball league.