Former CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE and CHANCELLOR; former DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL PRO-TEMPORE; former DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL; former ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL

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Derek Smith was appointed Judge and Chancellor by Governor Bill Haslam in 2011. As Judge and Chancellor, Derek presided over a host of cases, including civil cases, criminal cases, and divorce cases. Prior to being appointed as Judge, Derek served as Deputy District Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney General for the 21st Judicial District, which includes Williamson, Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. Following his tenure as Judge, Derek served as District Attorney General, pro tempore, where he prosecuted cases in various counties throughout the State of Tennessee. 

Derek received his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Derek received his undergraduate degrees from Pepperdine University, where he graduated with Honors. 

Derek is a partner in the law firm of King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP. King, Turnbow, Smith & Vanzin, PLLP, is a small firm dedicated to indvidualized service to clients. The firm represents clients in a wide ranging number of ways: wills and trusts; real estate closings; civil litigation; divorce and post-divorce litigation; criminal defense (both felonies and misdemeanors); DUI defense; juvenile defense; child custody disputes; orders of protection; and appeals (both criminal and civil). 

Becasue of Derek's experience in trying numerous jury trials thougout the Sate of Tennessee, he has amassed a cache of expert witnesses who can provide specialized evidence and testimony in a number of different cutting-edge areas.  

Aside from practicing law, Derek believes in giving back to his community. Derek served in the United States Navy Reserves, and he stays involved in civic and political organizations.