About Derek Benjamin
Derek Benjamin Brett is an attorney specializing in criminal law, with additional expertise in business law, employment law, appeals, and civil rights. Since 1996, he has been dedicated to serving clients across Florida, the District of Columbia, and Nova Scotia. His primary office is strategically located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. This lets the attorney effectively address many legal issues for his clients. Mr. Brett earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the Florida State University College of Law in 1996. Prior to attending law school, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Pre-Law from the University of Central Florida in 1993.
His academic achievements laid a strong foundation for his legal career. While at Florida State, he distinguished himself as a Public Interest Law Fellow with the Florida Bar Foundation, an experience that deepened his commitment to social justice and public service. In 1996, Mr. Brett was admitted to the Florida Bar, starting his formal legal practice. Four years later, in 2000, he expanded his practice by gaining admission to the District of Columbia Bar. His credentials further include admissions to the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, as well as the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2014, he achieved another milestone by being admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar, broadening his ability to serve clients in Canada. Throughout his career, Mr. Brett has actively participated in various professional associations, enhancing his legal network and expertise. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar, and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. His involvement extends to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
He collaborates with peers to advocate for the rights of defendants and uphold the integrity of the legal system. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Brett has made significant contributions to legal education. He has served as an adjunct professor at Saint Mary’s University and the Nova Scotia Community College, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring legal professionals. Furthermore, he has taught Constitutional Law and International Law at the University of Central Florida, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the next generation of lawyers. Mr. Brett's diverse legal experience and academic involvement reflect his unwavering dedication to the legal profession and the clients he serves.
