About Derek

Derek Pakiz is a seasoned personal injury attorney based in Los Angeles, California. With over 30 years of legal experience, he specializes in catastrophic injury cases, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and wrongful deaths. As the litigation supervisor and lead trial attorney at The Reeves Law Group, he has achieved remarkable success—securing seven and eight-figure jury verdicts for his clients. His extensive knowledge and approach have made him a advocate in the courtroom. Mr. Pakiz earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1984 — Following this, he obtained his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in 1987. Since the late 1980s, he has focused exclusively on personal injury law, representing victims of negligence and wrongful acts.

Throughout his career, he has handled thousands of cases, encompassing mediations, arbitrations, and trials. His dedication to this field has enabled him to develop a understanding of the complexities involved in personal injury litigation. In 2015, Mr. Pakiz achieved a significant milestone by becoming the only attorney in the United States to hold both the Trial Advocacy Certification and the Diplomate Accreditation from the American Association for Justice. This unique distinction shows his commitment to excellence in trial advocacy. Additionally, he is a certified specialist in Civil Trial Advocacy—a designation held by only about 100 attorneys in California. His expertise is recognized; he has been recognized as a "Top 100 Trial Lawyer" by The National Trial Lawyers, further solidifying his reputation in the legal community.

Active membership in several professional organizations enhances Mr. Pakiz’s standing in the field. He is involved with the American Association for Justice, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, among others. Furthermore, he is a member of the Melvin M. Belli Society, an invitation-only organization dedicated to advancing legal education among trial attorneys. These affiliations reflect his commitment to continuous learning and professional development in personal injury law. At The Reeves Law Group, Mr.

Pakiz leads a dedicated team focused on providing aggressive and high-quality representation to clients. The firm boasts an impressive 98% win rate for personal injury cases and has recovered over $250 million in verdicts and settlements for its clients. They handle a diverse range of cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful deaths. Brain injuries. Mr. Pakiz's unwavering dedication to his clients, combined with his extensive expertise, has established him as a leading attorney in Southern California. His commitment to achieving favorable outcomes makes him a powerful advocate for those seeking justice and compensation for their injuries.

Education

Univ of California at Los Angeles

Undergraduate Degree

Loyola Law School

Law Degree

Languages

English (Spoken, Written) German (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Lead Trial Lawyer

The Reeves Law Group
1989

Accepted Jurisdictions

California

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Central District of California U.S. District Court

Types of Cases Handled

Personal Injury

Legal Services Scope

Trial Mediation Arbitration

Professional Associations

American Association of Justice

Diplomat Current

Superlawyers

Superlawyer 2013 - Current

Videos

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Once I Hire A Lawyer, What Do I Do Next?
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Once I Hire A Lawyer, What Do I Do Next?
Do I Hire A Lawyer Right Away?
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Do I Hire A Lawyer Right Away?
Choosing the Right Lawyer - Derek Pakis
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Choosing the Right Lawyer - Derek Pakis