Firm NewsDerek Smith Law Group Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
At Derek Smith Law Group, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting employees’ rights and fighting for justice in cases of workplace sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and civil rights violations. Our team has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for leading high-profile cases against powerful corporations, executives, and institutions nationwide, delivering results for employees across many industries.
The work of DSLG attorneys has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide and includes high-profile cases against powerful individuals, Fortune 500 companies, and major institutions. These honors highlight our firm’s commitment to excellence, compassion, and results-driven advocacy for clients in New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Washington D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, and beyond.
What Is Super Lawyers?
Super Lawyers is a peer influenced, research driven rating service that identifies outstanding attorneys in more than 70 practice areas. Selection is based on peer nominations, professional achievements, and independent research. Only 5% of attorneys are named Super Lawyers each year. Just 2.5% of attorneys under 40 or in practice for less than 10 years qualify as Rising Stars. This recognition affirms the trust that judges, peers, and clients place in our attorneys and reinforces our reputation as one of the nation’s leading plaintiff side employment law firms handling both routine workplace disputes and high profile cases against high profile employers.
Derek Smith Law Group Attorneys Honored by Super Lawyers
Derek T . Smith
Derek Smith, founder and managing partner of Derek Smith Law Group, has been recognized as a Super Lawyer 12 times, including 10 consecutive years from 2016–2025. With nearly 30 years of experience, Derek has built a national reputation as one of the leading employment and civil rights attorneys in the United States. Derek Smith has built a national reputation as a relentless advocate for victims of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. As the founder and managing partner of Derek Smith Law Group, Derek has led landmark, high profile cases against powerful executives and corporations nationwide, achieved record setting verdicts, and shaped legal precedent in employment and civil rights law .
Beyond litigation, Derek is a frequent legal commentator in the media, a speaker at national employment law conferences, and a mentor to young attorneys. His approach blends aggressive advocacy with compassion, ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.
To date, Derek and his team have secured over $450 million for clients nationwide, reinforcing his legacy as a relentless advocate for workplace justice and civil rights.
Alexander G. Cabecieras
Selected to Rising Stars from 2021–2025, Alexander Cabecieras is a trusted advocate for employees facing discrimination, wage theft, and retaliation. Based in New York City and Los Angeles, he is known for his strategic approach to complex litigation and his ability to achieve meaningful results – even when representing clients against powerful employers and institutions.
Danilo Bandovic
Recognized as a Rising Star from 2021–2025, Danilo Bandovic represents clients in a wide range of employment law matters, from wrongful termination to hostile work environment cases. His commitment to employee rights and aggressive advocacy has made him a powerful voice for workers in New York and beyond, including in high-profile matters that draw national attention.
Johnmack Cohen
Honored as a Rising Star from 2021–2024, Johnmack Cohen has dedicated his career to advocating for victims of workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. He is known for building persuasive legal arguments and standing up to large corporations and powerful individuals who attempt to silence employees.
Melissa Mendoza
Named a Rising Star from 2018–2023, Melissa Mendoza focuses on employment discrimination and sexual harassment litigation. Her recognition highlights her deep knowledge of employment law and her unwavering commitment to securing justice for employees, including those involved in complex, high-profile disputes.
Caroline Hope Miller
Selected as a Rising Star in 2025, Caroline Hope Miller represents employees in cases involving discrimination, harassment, and civil rights violations. Her recognition underscores her emerging leadership in employment law and her dedication to protecting workers’ rights against powerful corporate interests.
Christopher R. Booth, Jr.
Recognized as a Rising Star in 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2024, Christopher Booth brings decades of experience to employment law and civil rights litigation. His repeated recognition reflects both his long-standing contributions to the legal community and his continued commitment to fighting for employees in nationwide and high-profile cases.
Ian Bryson
Named a Rising Star in 2024 and 2025, Ian Bryson is a passionate advocate for workers facing discrimination and harassment. His recognition demonstrates his skill in navigating complex employment cases and taking on powerful employers on behalf of employees nationwide.
Why Super Lawyers Recognition Matters for Clients?
Super Lawyers and Rising Stars recognition is more than just an award – it is a reflection of our attorneys’ skill, dedication, and impact. For clients, it means choosing a law firm where:
- Excellence is recognized nationwide by peers in the legal community.
- Attorneys are trusted to lead high-profile cases against powerful people and institutions.
- Compassion meets results, with lawyers who fight aggressively while treating clients with dignity.
- Nationwide strength meets local advocacy, offering trusted representation across multiple states.
At Derek Smith Law Group, our attorneys have consistently been recognized as leaders in employment law and our results speak for themselves.
Contact Derek Smith Law Group Today
If you are experiencing workplace sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, or retaliation, our award-winning team is here to help. Call us today at (800) 807-2209 for a free case review. We are available 24/7, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Derek Smith