Derek L. Centola

Associate

404.885.3562

More ways to contact Derek L. Centola

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Overview

Derek represents companies as well as their corporate officers and directors in high-stakes disputes and government investigations. His clients include both public and privately held companies in sectors such as finance, food and beverage, health care, and telecommunications.

In addition, Derek handles litigation in state and federal court involving a range of claims, such as breach of contract, business torts, and cybersecurity. He defends clients in government actions, including investigations and subpoenas, handling matters before the DOJ, SEC, and FDA, among others. Derek also advises corporate leadership on proactive risk mitigation strategies and conducts internal investigations.

Derek also maintains an active pro bono practice. He represents clients in housing, immigration, domestic relations, and veterans’ benefits matters and was involved in the briefing of a landmark Voting Rights Act case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Derek is a veteran who achieved the rank of captain as a transportation officer in the U.S. Army before attending law school.

Overview

Derek represents companies as well as their corporate officers and directors in high-stakes disputes and government investigations. His clients include both public and privately held companies in sectors such as finance, food and beverage, health care, and telecommunications.

In addition, Derek handles litigation in state and federal court involving a range of claims, such as breach of contract, business torts, and cybersecurity. He defends clients in government actions, including investigations and subpoenas, handling matters before the DOJ, SEC, and FDA, among others. Derek also advises corporate leadership on proactive risk mitigation strategies and conducts internal investigations.

Derek also maintains an active pro bono practice. He represents clients in housing, immigration, domestic relations, and veterans’ benefits matters and was involved in the briefing of a landmark Voting Rights Act case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Derek is a veteran who achieved the rank of captain as a transportation officer in the U.S. Army before attending law school.

Top areas of focus

  • Legal extern, U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, January – April 2019
  • Judicial intern, Hon. Barbara J. Rothstein, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Summer 2018
  • Captain: transportation officer, U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division, June 2014 – May 2018

Education

  • American University Washington College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2020, senior federal circuit editor, American University Law Review; Mock Trial Honor Society
  • University of Miami, B.A., 2013, political science and international studies

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Georgia

Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • Court of Appeals of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia
  • Co-author, “How States Can Affirmatively Further Fair Housing: Key Leverage Points and Best Practices,” Poverty & Race Research Action Council, January 18, 2023.
  • Co-author, “Using Anti-Bribery and Corruption Regimes for ESG Concerns,” Law.com, December 8, 2022.
  • Co-author, “Assets linked to Russian oligarchs could put California in the crosshairs,” Daily Journal, May 27, 2022.