Derek Harper is a partner with Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm, where he is committed to providing experienced, compassionate, and mindful legal representation and personal service to clients throughout the State of South Carolina. A native of Lancaster, Derek received his bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he was named to the Dean's List, worked in the student center, and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Immediately following undergraduate school, Derek entered law school and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2010. While attending law school, Derek studied abroad in Innsbruck, Austria with St. Mary's University, where he studied under an international faculty that included United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.
After completing his education, Derek decided that the best use of his legal education would be to serve his hometown area and began his legal career at a small law firm in Lancaster before joining the Schiller & Hamilton team in 2016. With over 15 years of experience representing clients on a broad range of matters - including civil, criminal, family, and probate issues - Derek has narrowed the focus of his practice to plaintiff's litigation. Today, Derek continues to enjoy representing clients in cases involving automobile and truck collisions, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Derek was awarded the Eagle Scout rank in 2001 while a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Since 2015, he has been an active volunteer with Ducks Unlimited, holding a chair on the South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Committee. Also active in his community, Derek currently serves on the Historic Rock Hill Board and was most recently the President of the Lancaster County Bar Association. In addition, Derek is a graduate of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce's "Leadership Lancaster" program, previously served on Chamber committees, and was recently chosen as one of the Chamber's Top 10 Under 40 Business Leaders for Lancaster County.
When not practicing law, Derek most enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling, and fellowship with friends. When time allows, Derek can often be found in the woods or on the water, hunting or fishing throughout the Carolinas and beyond.
