VerHagen Law, PLLC

About the Firm

Derek R. VerHagen

Founder & Managing Counsel

A North Texas native born and raised in the DFW metroplex, Derek R. VerHagen brings over a decade of high-stakes appellate, post-conviction, and complex litigation experience to state and federal courts. Prior to establishing VerHagen Law, PLLC, Derek served as Assistant Chief of the Capital Habeas Unit (CHU) at the Office of the Federal Public Defender, leading litigation teams in some of the most intricate constitutional cases in the country.

In addition to his post-conviction work, Derek has litigated federal civil rights cases and represented Native American tribal members in administrative appeals against the federal government to challenge denials of relocation benefits.

Before attending The University of Texas School of Law, Derek graduated cum laude from Texas Christian University (TCU) with a double major in Entrepreneurial Management and Philosophy, where he was also a Division I collegiate baseball player. This rigorous background informs his disciplined, strategic, and competitive approach to litigation.

Today, Derek's practice is defined by meticulous legal analysis, exhaustive record review, and strategic advocacy. Beyond direct representation, he acts as a strategic consultant for legal teams navigating complex procedural hurdles, provides bespoke estate planning and legacy protection for families, and draws on prior board leadership experience managing a multi-million dollar local foundation endowment.

Key Credentials & Milestones

Federal Leadership

Former Assistant CHU Chief supervising federal post-conviction litigation teams in high-stakes constitutional litigation.

High-Stakes Relief

Secured 6 stays of execution and won 5 death sentence reversals/vacaturs on various issues including ineffective assistance of trial counsel, incompetency, intellectual disability, innocence, and racial discrimination during jury selection.

Published Precedent

Established statewide standard of review in competency to be executed appeals.

Faculty & National Presentations

Former Adjunct Law Professor (UNT-Dallas Law) and guest lecturer at Georgetown Law, Howard Law, The University of Texas School of Law, and NAACP Legal Defense Fund, among others.

Financial Governance

Experience serving as foundation board member overseeing a multi-million dollar local endowment.

Admissions & Education

Court Admissions

State Bar of Texas (2014); Supreme Court of the United States; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, & Southern Districts of Texas, and District of New Mexico.

Education

J.D., The University of Texas School of Law (Editorial Board, Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights); B.B.A. Cum Laude, Texas Christian University (NCAA Division I Baseball, 2005–2009).