Background

Derek A. Shoemake is an adjunct professor who teaches Technology and Criminal Law, and formerly taught Legal Writing. Derek is an experienced litigator based in the Midlands who handles criminal cases and complex litigation throughout South Carolina. Derek most recently served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of South Carolina, where he ran one of the U.S. Attorney’s four offices in the state. He began by handling violent crime and narcotics cases, and ultimately became a white-collar prosecutor handling complex criminal matters including wire fraud, healthcare fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, public corruption, and human trafficking.

Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Derek represented clients — both corporate and individual — before state and federal courts in all manner of proceedings. In addition to his litigation experience, Derek has authored several legal articles in a variety of publications and clerked for two federal judges in the District of South Carolina: the late Honorable G. Ross Anderson, Jr. and the Honorable R. Bryan Harwell. Derek further distinguished himself in law school at the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he served on the South Carolina Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif.

In addition to practicing law, Derek serves on Kershaw County Council and has taught both Civil Litigation in the University of South Carolina’s paralegal certification program, and Higher Education and the Law at Columbia College. Before law school, Derek worked as an editor for The Item, a newspaper in Sumter, S.C., worked as a defense contractor for the General Dynamics Corporation, and served in the United States Marine Corps until his honorable discharge as a Sergeant. During his time in service, Derek received several decorations, including five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. When not working, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children.