About Derrick B.
Derrick B. Hager built his legal foundation at Southern Illinois University. He completed a B.S. in Paralegal Studies in 2002, studying the practical side of legal work while taking a minor in administration or justice. He stayed at Southern Illinois University School of Law and earned his Juris Doctor in 2005, where consumer bankruptcy was a central part of his coursework.
After law school Hager moved into practice centered around the types of matters he studied. He developed a practice that handles personal bankruptcy filings, creditor-debtor disputes and related consumer issues. He represents individuals through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings and addresses routine procedural matters that arise in consumer bankruptcy cases. His background in paralegal studies informs the way he organizes case files and handles client intake. The training also shaped his approach to the administrative and document-heavy aspects of bankruptcy work.
Hager is licensed to practice in Illinois and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. His courtroom experience includes federal bankruptcy proceedings and appellate filings in the Seventh Circuit. He has worked on cases that required careful attention to filing deadlines, creditor claims and plan administration. In representing debtors and navigating complex paperwork, he focuses on practical solutions. He prepares bankruptcy petitions, negotiates with creditors when necessary and represents clients at hearings.
Colleagues describe Hager as methodical. Clients often see him as straightforward and detail-oriented. He draws on both his paralegal training and his legal education to manage cases from intake through discharge. That combination of skills helps in counseling clients about options, explaining trustee procedures and preparing the documentation courts require. His practice emphasizes clarity in communication and close attention to court rules.
Hager operates under the firm name Derrick B. Hager, P.C. The firm serves individuals seeking relief from unsecured debt and those facing consumer-collection actions. He manages the office’s litigation filings and administrative tasks while handling client consultations. The practice handles the full lifecycle of consumer bankruptcy matters, from initial assessment toward resolution.
As of 2026 he continues to practice at Derrick B. Hager, P.C., representing individuals in consumer bankruptcy and related matters.
