70 West Madison Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60602

Derek D. Samz

Partner, Practice Group Chair

Direct: 312.696.1351

ddsamz@gct.law

OVERVIEW

Derek Samz is Chair of the Firm’s Reorganization and Bankruptcy practice group and a Partner in Golan Christie Taglia’s commercial litigation Group, with an emphasis on construction law and disputes. Derek represent a variety of general contractors and subcontractors in foreclosing mechanics lien claims and breach of contract actions. He also has experience representing developers and homeowners on the other side of the transaction. In addition to construction claims, Derek also specialize in general commercial litigation, representing businesses in all manner of commercial disputes, as well as contract formation, restrictive covenants and data privacy.

Derek also practices bankruptcy law, as counsel for both debtors and creditors. He is familiar with all aspects of Chapter 7, 13 and 11 petitions and procedures, and has both asserted and defended adversary proceedings, objections to discharge and claim proceedings.

As well as his work in bankruptcy and litigation, Derek also provides general counsel services to a number of entrepreneurial clients, including real estate developers and technology companies. These services can include anything from entity formation, to contract drafting, to data protection compliance and procedure review.

Derek joined GCT in 2021. Prior to joining the Firm, Derek was Partner with DiMonte & Lizak.

EDUCATION

  • University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 2006
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A., 2002

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Illinois, 2006

HONORS & AWARDS

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