DEREK B. ROUSE, ESQ.

Founding Partner

Anyone who meets Derek Rouse feels like they have known him their entire life. His southern charm and his ability to put people at ease makes him such an effective trial lawyer.

Prior to founding The Rouse Firm, LLC, Mr. Rouse began his career at Lister & Holt in Jonesboro, Georgia. He also served several years as an attorney with the Atlanta Judicial Circuit Public Defenders Office where he litigated complex felony cases. Before starting his own firm, Mr. Rouse was an analyst with Greenberg Traurig.

The Rouse Firm, LLC focuses on both civil and criminal litigation. The firm has extensive experience in criminal defense cases, personal injury, wills and probate, business and entertainment. Mr. Rouse represents individuals who are dealing with complex criminal and civil issues.

A native of Savannah, he received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from The University of Georgia and served on the Defender Advocate Society.  He received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University. Mr. Rouse graduated from Capital University School of Law in Columbus, OH. While at Capital, he was a summer associate with Baker and Hosteller, LLP in Columbus, OH, interned with the Dave Thomas Adoption Center in Columbus, OH and with Albert Mitchell and Associates in Atlanta, GA.   He received the National Association for Adoption Law and Policy’s Outstanding Graduating Student Contributor Award, was a member of the Black Law Student Association, Health Law Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association.

Mr. Rouse is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National College of DUI Defense, graduate of National Criminal Defense College and Bill Daniel’s Trial Advocacy Program.

Mr. Rouse is currently a Conflict Defender with the State of Georgia for complex felony cases.   He is a guest lecturer at the University of West GA and Cobb County Law Library.  Mr. Rouse is a member and serves as General Counsel to the 100 Black Men of Dekalb County, Inc., he serves as President, Poplar Springs Community Association and a member of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. 

Mr. Rouse is admitted to practice in Federal Court, the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, as well as all other trial and appellate courts in the State of Georgia.

When not serving the community, Mr. Rouse enjoys spending time with wife and kids, attending sporting events and concerts.

Education

Areas of Focus