Background

Derek A. Shoemake is an adjunct professor who teaches Legal Writing at the University of South Carolina’s School of Law. Derek, an experienced litigator, serves as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of South Carolina, where he prosecutes white collar crimes and serves as the district’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator. 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 teaches Civil Litigation in the University of South Carolina’s paralegal certification program, where he has also taught both Introduction to Law and Legal Writing. 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.