Derek M. Milosavlejvic

Derek’s trial experience includes representing a plaintiff technology start-up in a trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract case against Best Buy, the leading national electronics retail chain.  At trial, Derek conducted the cross-examination and Daubert voir dire of Best Buy’s expert, resulting in the expert’s opinions being excluded.  Following the seven-day trial, the jury awarded Derek’s client $22 million in damages, $5 million in punitive damages for the willful and malicious misappropriation of trade secrets, and more than $6 million in attorneys’ fees and expenses. The National Law Journal included the result among its “Top 100 Verdicts” of the year.  Derek has also served as lead counsel for the defense in an ICC arbitration action brought by a U.S. defense contractor in a dispute worth more than $30 million. 

Derek also has significant experience at the appellate level.  In addition to having representing both Petitioner and Respondent as lead counsel at the Supreme Court, Derek has briefed and argued cases before the Supreme Court of California and three-judge and en banc panels of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Additionally, having been a film executive prior to beginning his legal career, Derek has a deep familiarity and ongoing involvement with the industry.  Combined with his legal training and experience, he has expertise with contract negotiation, industry union considerations, and First Amendment issues.

Prior to joining JWC Legal, Derek was a Partner and Of Counsel at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he represented large and small clients across a variety of cases including intellectual property, contract disputes, securities litigation, and constitutional claims.  

EDUCATION & BACKGROUND

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., cum laude

• University of Massachusetts Amherst, Journalism

BAR ADMISSIONS & PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

California State Bar

Texas State Bar

U.S. Supreme Court Bar

Beverly Hills Bar Association

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)