Derick Cooper
Frederick Cooper, IV (“Derick”) has spent more than two decades handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, building a reputation as a trial lawyer who combines extensive litigation and courtroom experience with a personal, client-centered approach. At Cooper Trial Law, Derick is committed to providing high-quality representation, while ensuring that every client receives direct communication, individual attention, and genuine support throughout the legal process.
More than 20 Years of Litigation and Trial Experience
Throughout his career, Derick has handled high-exposure litigation involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death claims, commercial trucking accidents, premises liability matters, and product liability cases. His experience spans every stage of the litigation process, from early investigation and case development through trial and verdict. He is known for approaching cases with thorough preparation and a willingness to take on challenging matters that require extensive discovery, expert testimony, and sophisticated legal strategy. That trial readiness often creates opportunities for successful resolutions outside the courtroom while ensuring that clients are fully prepared when litigation becomes necessary.
A Unique Perspective. A Meaningful Advantage for Plaintiffs.
Before dedicating his practice to representing injured individuals and families, Derick served as an Equity Partner at one of the Southeast’s leading defense litigation firms. In that role, he represented Fortune 500 companies and major insurers in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, trucking, premises liability, and product liability cases throughout the country. He tried numerous significant cases against accomplished plaintiff’s lawyers and developed firsthand knowledge of how corporations and insurance carriers investigate claims, evaluate risk, and prepare for litigation.
Today, that experience provides a meaningful advantage for the people he represents.
Derick understands the defense playbook because he helped build it. He knows how insurers analyze exposure, what arguments defense counsel are likely to raise, and which factors influence meaningful settlement discussions. Cooper Trial Law uses that perspective to advocate effectively for individuals and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Professional Recognition and Leadership
Derick’s work as a litigator has earned recognition from respected organizations within the legal profession. His honors include selection to Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers®, a distinction awarded to only a small percentage of attorneys in Georgia. In 2021, he was named to ALM Daily Report’s “On the Rise” list, which recognized twenty of Georgia’s most accomplished attorneys under the age of forty. He is also an active member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and remains engaged with the broader legal community in advancing the rights of injured individuals and their families.
Education
- University of Georgia, Bachelor of Business Administration, magna cum laude, Risk Management and Insurance, 2004
- Wake Forest University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2007
- Member, Wake Forest Law Review
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Georgia
- State Bar of Florida
Life Outside the Practice
A lifelong Atlantan, Derick lives in Brookhaven with his wife, their daughter and son, and the family’s black Labrador, Baxter.
When he is not representing clients, he spends much of his time supporting his children’s activities, including attending their football and soccer games. He is also a devoted supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and enjoys cheering on his alma mater whenever possible.