Derek Shoemake

Derek A. Shoemake has taught in the University of South Carolina's paralegal certification program since 2010. He currently teaches Civil Litigation, and has taught both Introduction to Law and Legal Writing. Derek, an experienced litigator, works as an attorney at Simmons Law Firm and has represented clients – both corporate and individual – before state and federal courts. In addition to his litigation experience, Derek has authored several legal articles in a variety of publications and clerked for two federal judges in the District of South Carolina: the Honorable G. Ross Anderson, Jr. and the Honorable R. Bryan Harwell. Derek further distinguished himself in law school, where he served on the South Carolina Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif. Before law school, Derek worked as an editor for The Item, a newspaper in Sumter, S.C., worked as a defense contractor for the General Dynamics Corporation, and served in the United States Marine Corps until his honorable discharge as a Sergeant. During his time in service, Derek received several decorations, including five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. When not practicing law, Derek serves as a Commissioner on the South Carolina Athletic Commission and serves on the Board of Directors for Lutheran Services Carolinas, a non-profit organization whose mission includes providing refugee resettlement services, housing for homeless veterans, retirement communities, and foster care and adoption services. Derek also enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children.