Derek Martin is the driving force behind Driver Defense Team, the top-rated Illinois law firm for car crash injury cases, DUI defense, traffic tickets, and driver’s license reinstatements. Whether someone is hurt in a crash or facing charges after a traffic stop, Derek’s team is known as the go-to firm for any legal issue that starts behind the wheel.

Born and raised in Chicago’s south suburbs, Derek worked full-time managing more than 50 employees at a major media company while attending Chicago-Kent College of Law at night. That early mix of leadership and work ethic still defines how the firm serves clients.

Derek co-founded Driver Defense Team with his wife, an accomplished criminal defense attorney in her own right. Together, they’ve grown it into one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country. DDT has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row and was named the 29th fastest-growing law firm in the United States.

He’s the architect behind the firm’s 9-Step Playbook and Personalized Defense Gameplan, two proven systems that have helped thousands of clients—whether they were injured, arrested, or fighting for their license—get back on the road and back to their lives. Every case receives clear communication, a strategic plan, and the full weight of the firm’s experience to achieve the best possible outcome.

He leads a team of dedicated attorneys and legal professionals who appear in court daily throughout the Chicagoland area. Derek remains hands-on in both strategic leadership and client outcomes, making sure every case is handled with the same high standards and attention to detail.

Outside the courtroom, Derek is a proud husband and father of three great kids. He loves coaching their football and baseball teams, and he brings that same sense of teamwork, preparation, and perseverance into everything he does—both on the field and in the courtroom.

Watch Derek as he reacts to police body camera footage of a DUI arrest. Does the prosecution have enough evidence to prove this person guilty of driving under the influence beyond all reasonable doubt? Find out how this case would go down in Illinois in our Real Lawyers React series.