Derek Byrd is a Criminal Defense Attorney in Sarasota, Florida. Derek has worked as a lawyer since 1997, after his graduation from Quinnipiac University School of Law. His firm is an AV rated law firm, which signifies that a lawyer has reached the heights of professional excellence, by Martindale Hubbell.

Currently, Derek Byrd is the President of the Sarasota County Bar Association. Additionally, he is the President­Elect of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Byrd is licensed in all State Courts as well as the Federal Middle District of Florida. Mr. Byrd’s primary hobby is coaching youth baseball, including his son’s travel baseball team.

Derek is a highly competitive coach who coaches the kids because he prefers to mentor them so that they become good citizens and to teach them life lessons. He really believes that because baseball is a game of failure, it teaches you more valuable lessons than most other sports. He also believes that because baseball requires extreme dedication and an emphasis on fundamentals, it helps one in developing their grit and determination in conquering the battles of life. Finally, youth athletics allows one to appreciate humanity, compassion, and a zest for life. As a criminal defense attorney, it would be easy to become callous to human nature. However, being around youthful exuberance quickly balances the callousness.

Derek will continue to coach his youngest son for a few more years before taking a break. He envisions coming back and coaching his nephew when he reaches T-ball age.