Derek C. Waller, Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP

Derek Waller’s passion for the law is only matched by his passion for helping those in need – particularly those facing health crises of any kind navigate legal challenges.

His interest in law was piqued when he volunteered for the Minnesotans United for Families campaign in 2012 while in college. After graduation, he worked for Epic, using his research and writing skills in his work for the health care software company, and went to law school at University of Minnesota.

Starting as an intern during the summer after his first year of law school, Waller, now an associate, found a home at LGN.

“There’s a lot of variety, and we’re not always on the same side of the “v” when it comes to our cases,” he said.

Waller focuses his practice on health care issues, helping clients navigate the complex relationship between the health care and legal worlds. He works with clients on regulatory compliance issues, health coverage disputes with insurers, and has represented classes of consumers and patients in complex litigation.

Waller puts his legal skills to use outside the office as well. His work with the Volunteer Lawyers Network led him to learn about an issue related to driving record expungements throughout the state.

“The issue was that people’s driving records weren’t being expunged, even with a court order,” he said. “It sounded like it could be a class action.”

Waller went to work on the case, with the firm’s blessing, and together with the state Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General’s office, he was able to work out a $900,000 settlement with 500 people to expunge their records and set up a system to ensure the problem was solved in the future.

“It means a lot to me to be able to do work that’s in line with making a world I want to see,” he said. “I have really great colleagues, and I feel supported by the team.”