News
Derek D. McLeod
- E dmcleod@taftlaw.com
- T (248) 727-1390
- F (248) 351-3082
Summary
Derek is a partner in Taft’s Commercial Litigation and Aviation and Aerospace practices. He has successfully resolved a wide array of complex business, franchise, and employment litigation matters in Michigan and beyond.
Among Derek’s areas of expertise are contract claims, business torts, member and shareholder conflicts, non-compete agreements, and a myriad other dispute resolution matters. He regularly practices before state and federal trial courts and appellate courts, as well as in private arbitration and mediation proceedings. In addition to his active litigation practice, Derek frequently advises clients and in-house counsel on a variety of pre-suit litigation and strategy issues.
Awards
Honoree, DBusiness Top Lawyers (2025)
Honoree, Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Business Litigation (2008, 2010, 2012 – 2017)
“Up and Coming” Lawyers, Michigan Lawyers Weekly (2008)
All Service Areas
All Practices
All Industries
Education
- Northeastern University School of Law
- The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
cum laude
Phi Kappa Phi
Admissions
- State - Michigan
- State - Ohio
- State - Florida
- Federal - 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Federal - Western District of Michigan
- Federal - Eastern District of Michigan
- Federal - Northern District of Ohio
Speeches and Publications
- “Uncertainty Abounds: The Joint Employer Doctrine and the Franchise Business Model,” Michigan Bar Journal, Vol. 96, No. 5 (May 2017)
- “Preemption and the Michigan Franchise Investment Law,” Michigan Bar Journal, Vol. 93, No. 12 (December 2014)
- “Who Can Sue and Be Sued Under the Michigan Franchise Investment Law?,” Attorney at Law Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 6 (2013)
- “A Call For Clarity: Forum-Selection Provisions and Michigan’s Summary Disposition Rule,” The Litigation Newsletter (Fall 2010)
- “Campbell v DHS: The Michigan Court of Appeals Resolves Garg‘s Open Question And The Result Is ‘Mmm Mmm Good’ For Plaintiffs,” Labor and Employment Law Notes, Vol. 19, No. 4 (Winter 2010)
News
Sixteen Taft Attorneys Recognized in DBusiness Top Lawyers 2025 News
33 Attorneys Honored as Super Lawyers and 13 as Michigan Rising Stars
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan
Member
Former Chair, Antitrust, Franchising & Trade Regulation Section - Florida Bar Association
Member
- American Bar Association
Member
Member, Forum on Franchising - Franchise Practitioners Group
Member
- Oakland County Bar Association
Member
- Federal Bar Association for the Eastern District of Michigan
Member
Community Involvement
- Oakland County Bar Foundation
Member
- The Citadel Alumni Association
Member