TEXAS & FEDERAL LEGAL COUNSEL
Strategic Counsel for Complex Legal Challenges.
Seasoned appellate and post-conviction advocacy, strategic trial consultation, and bespoke estate planning—built on over a decade of state and federal legal practice.
Speak with the firm now — (214) 335-2668Emergency Stays Secured
Repeatedly obtained critical emergency relief across state and federal courts in complex constitutional matters.
Life & Freedom Protected
Successfully overturned multiple capital sentences to secure life outcomes and won full felony acquittals preventing prison time altogether.
Federal Defense Leadership
Former supervisory federal public defender leading complex federal litigation teams in high-stakes post-conviction cases.
Federal & State Admitted
Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Fifth Circuit, several Federal District Courts, and Texas State Bar.
Practice Areas
Focused representation where the stakes are highest
Co-Counsel & Trial Consultation
Partnering with legal teams to navigate complex procedural hurdles, preserve error, and litigate high-stakes constitutional issues.
Learn more about Co-Counsel & Trial ConsultationAppellate & Post-Conviction Relief
Direct representation in state and federal post-conviction proceedings, capital habeas litigation, stays of execution, and appellate review.
Learn more about Appellate & Post-Conviction ReliefCivil Rights & Federal Administrative Appeals
Representing clients in federal civil rights cases and federal administrative appeals challenging government benefit denials.
Learn more about Civil Rights & Federal Administrative AppealsEstate Planning & Legacy Protection
Crafting tailored estate plans, trusts, and legacy strategies designed to protect assets and provide peace of mind for families.
Learn more about Estate Planning & Legacy ProtectionThe Attorney
Litigation-tested precision for every matter.
“When you have litigated cases where the record spans tens of thousands of pages, small details dictate major outcomes.”
A DFW native and former Assistant Chief of the Federal Public Defender's Capital Habeas Unit, Derek R. VerHagen brings over a decade of state and federal litigation experience to every matter. His career spans high-stakes capital post-conviction defense, complex appellate practice, federal civil rights litigation, and federal administrative appeals against government benefit denials.
That work demands the absolute highest standard in the legal profession: brief writing that withstands intense federal appellate scrutiny, meticulous record review across tens of thousands of pages, and unyielding constitutional advocacy.
Clients and legal partners of VerHagen Law receive that exact same discipline—whether navigating complex post-conviction relief, seeking strategic co-counsel consultation, litigating a federal dispute, or structuring a family estate plan.
More about Derek VerHagenFor Attorneys
Strategic Consultation & Co-Counsel Services
Offering trial strategy, mitigation framing, and writ drafting for attorneys handling complex felony or capital cases.
Contact
Request a confidential case evaluation
Tell us about your matter and we will respond within one business day. Urgent matters with imminent deadlines are prioritized.