Derek Smith

Legal/Judicial Experience: Derek Smith has more legal experience relevant to Tacoma Municipal Court than his opponent. Derek has presided over thousands of municipal cases as a Pro Tem Judge. Only Derek has experience as both a prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney in municipal courts, which is vitally important because municipal court handles only criminal matters.

Other Professional Experience: No information submitted

Education: Education Seattle University School of Law, J.D. Cum Laude. University of California, Davis, B.A. International Relations

Community Service: Derek and his wife are active in the Tacoma community and volunteer with Tacoma Public Schools, Sherman Elementary PTSA, Family Housing Network, and Sound Outreach.

Statement: Derek Smith stands out as the better qualified candidate for Tacoma Municipal Court Judge because of his years of relevant experience. This is why he’s endorsed by so many municipal court judges – the men and women who best understand this important job.

As a Pro Tem Judge, Derek has a record of impartiality and upholding the law as written. As a former city prosecutor, he has a record of keeping our community safe from crime for fifteen years. As a criminal defense attorney, he has a record of guaranteeing access to justice and protecting our most basic civil rights. Derek opened his own criminal defense firm and has seven years of experience as a small business owner.

Derek and his wife Celesta live in the North End, and have two sons, Rowan age 9 and Wyatt age 7. Both attend Sherman Elementary. The family attends St. Marks’ Lutheran by The Narrows, where Celesta is the Sunday School Coordinator and where Derek has served as past President of the Church Council. Derek is an avid reader and certified SCUBA instructor.