Derek is the founding partner and chief litigator of The Rouse Firm, LLC. Prior to founding The Rouse Firm, LLC, Mr. Rouse began his career at Lister & Holt in Jonesboro, Georgia. He also served several years as an attorney with the Atlanta Judicial Circuit Public Defenders Office, where he litigated complex felony cases. Before starting his own firm, Mr. Rouse was a conflicts analyst with Greenberg Traurig.
The Rouse Firm, LLC focuses on both civil and criminal litigation, with extensive experience in criminal defense cases, personal injury, wills and probate, business, and entertainment law. Mr. Rouse represents individuals dealing with complex criminal and civil issues.
A native of Savannah, Mr. Rouse received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia, where he served on the Defender Advocate Society. He earned his master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University. Mr. Rouse graduated from Capital University Law School in Columbus, OH. While at Capital, he was a summer associate with Baker and Hostetler, LLP in Columbus, OH, and interned with the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy (originally known as the Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law & Policy) in Columbus, OH, as well as with Albert Mitchell and Associates in Atlanta, GA. He received the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy’s Outstanding Graduating Student Contributor Award and was a member of the Black Law Student Association, Health Law Association, and the American Trial Lawyers Association.
Mr. Rouse is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a former member of both the National College of DUI Defense, and the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College and Bill Daniel’s Trial Advocacy Program.
Currently, Mr. Rouse serves as a Conflict Defender for complex felony cases with the State of Georgia. He is a guest lecturer at the University of West Georgia and Cobb County Law Library. Additionally, Mr. Rouse serves as General Counsel for the 100 Black Men of Dekalb County, Inc., where he is also a current member, and as President of the Poplar Springs Community Association. He is also a member of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.