Derek Michael Smith: In Memoriam

Biography

Derek Michael Smith was a founding attorney of The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC. Following his passing in 2026, the firm continues under the Smith & White name in recognition of the practice and reputation he helped build. This page is maintained to honor Derek’s career, service to his clients, and contributions to the firm.

Derek brought decades of criminal law experience to Smith & White. Over the course of his career, he served as a prosecutor, judge pro tem, and criminal defense attorney, giving him a perspective on Washington’s criminal justice system from several different sides.

During his years as a prosecutor with the cities of Seattle and Kent, Derek handled or negotiated thousands of criminal cases and developed extensive courtroom experience. He served as the head of the domestic violence unit for the City of Kent and supervised its misdemeanor unit before moving to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.

In Seattle, Derek served in the DUI and misdemeanor trial unit. Among the more memorable cases of his career, he prosecuted notorious strip-club owner and alleged mob boss Frank Colacurcio for sexual assault on a waitress in one of his clubs and twice secured convictions against him.

Derek later became the vice and narcotics liaison for the Seattle City Attorney’s Office and received the Seattle Police Department Chief’s Award for his role in Operation Sobering Thought. He also presided over thousands of cases as a judge pro tem in Federal Way, Pacific, and Des Moines. Over the course of his career, Derek took more than 150 jury trials to verdict and handled matters reaching Washington appellate courts.

That range of experience helped shape the practical and direct approach Derek brought to criminal defense. He developed particular knowledge of Washington firearms law, restoration of firearm rights, domestic violence cases, and protection orders, and he was known for taking on legal issues he cared strongly about.

Derek graduated with honors from Seattle University School of Law in 1996.

Outside the courtroom, Derek was deeply involved in the Tacoma community. He served as president of the Tacoma Art Museum Activities Council during the museum’s 75th Anniversary Gala in 2010 and held leadership roles at St. Mark’s Lutheran by the Narrows.

Derek’s interests extended well beyond the law. He was a life member of the NRA, a former PADI scuba instructor, and an avid reader. He also wrote a decidedly tongue-in-cheek blog about the law, reflecting the humor and personality that friends, colleagues, and clients knew him for. Derek lived in Tacoma with his family.

Derek’s work, character, and contributions remain an important part of the history of Smith & White.

Education

• Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, Washington
  • J.D. – 1996
  • Honors: With Honors
• University of California
  • B.A. – 1991

Bar Admissions

• Washington, 1996
• North Dakota, 2012

Professional Associations

• Washington State Bar Association, Member, 1996 to 2026
• Washington State Bar Association, Rules Committee, 2012 to 2013
• Washington State Bar Association, Character and Fitness Board, 2013 to 2015
• North Dakota Bar Association, Member, 2012 to 2026

Pro-Bono Activities

• President, Tacoma Art Museum Activities Council, 2010
• Vice President, St. Mark’s Lutheran by the Narrows Church Council
• Member, NRA
• Judicial Candidate, City of Tacoma, 2018
• Past President, St. Marks