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Biography
Derek was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida to Allison E. Folds, Jr. and Jackie Folds. She enjoys playing competitive billiards, traveling with her boyfriend (Stu), and doting on her cat, (Sammy) and dog (Violet)
Derek primarily focuses her practice in the field of family law and appeals Derek also serves as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem.
Prior to attending law school, Derek worked as a deputy clerk at the Alachua County Clerk's Office for over 5 years in the official records, criminal trials, and felony divisions. While in law school, she worked as a law clerk for Creed & Gowdy, P.A., a boutique appellate law firm in Jacksonville, Florida. Derek served as the Notes and Comments Editor for the Florida Coastal Law Review and Senior Editor for the Public Interest Research Bureau.She also received the book award in recognition of earning the highest grade in four (4) of her law school courses (Property I, Products Liability - Advanced Legal Writing Requirement, Remedies, and Race and the Law).
In addition to her academic achievements, Derek served on the Executive Board of Law Students Against Violence and was recognized as a Pro Bono Honors Student for having provided over 125 hours of pro bono service during law school.
Education
- Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, Florida
- J.D. – 2014
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Honors: Recognized as a Pro Bono Honors Student
- Law Review: Florida Coastal Law Review, Notes and Comments Editor
- Samford University
- B.A. – 2005
- Major: Sociology
Past Positions
- Alachua County Clerk’s Office, Deputy Clerk
- Creed & Gowdy, P.A., Law Clerk
Professional Associations
- Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association, Board of Directors (2016 – present)
- American Poolplayers Association, Member and Team Captain (2004 – present)
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4385, Aerie Member (2023 – present)
Current Employment Position
- Senior Associate
Practice Areas
- Family Law
- Appeals
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2015
Honors
- Book Award in Recognition of Earning the Highest Grade in four (4) of her law school courses (Property I, Products Liability – Advanced Legal Writing Requirement, Remedies, and Race and the Law)
- Pro Bono Honors Student
Contact
- Mary Coleman, Florida Registered Paralegal