Leadership
Law alum has ‘the gift’
Derrick Walker, L’00, still holds onto the email that solidified his decision to become a trial lawyer. During his 2L year, as former law professor Paul Zwier was preparing to leave UR, he sent Walker a note that read:
“I’ve watched you during the advanced trial practice class, and your preparation, your instincts, your technique — they are all exceptional. Your classmates recognize this as well. You have ‘the gift.’”
“It’s important not to ignore your ability to lead. When you realize that your peers and colleagues look to you for guidance — then you are a leader.”
Encouraged by Zwier’s words, Walker began his career at a Richmond firm specializing in insurance defense. However, he soon realized his passion lay in telling the stories of injured individuals rather than defending companies. After litigating against a prominent Norfolk-based personal injury firm, he seized the opportunity to join their team, putting his trial skills to work for those in need. In 2015 Walker had an opportunity to return to Richmond and join Allen & Allen, where he is now a managing shareholder and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
As his career thrived, Walker sought opportunities for professional development. He found them through his involvement with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice. Eventually, a senior AAJ member encouraged him to pursue a leadership role, offering words of advice that resonated deeply:
“When I think about what’s best for the future of our organization, your leadership is a part of it.”
Reflecting on that moment, Walker emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own leadership potential.
“It’s important not to ignore your ability to lead,” he said. “When you realize that your peers and colleagues look to you for guidance — when they trust your perspectives, your insight, and, most of all, your commitment to doing what’s right for the organization, whether it’s your firm or a bar association — then you are a leader. And when that happens, it’s important to lean into it and lead.”
Now President of VTLA, Walker has come a long way from his days as an eager law student. Yet, on his most challenging days, he still looks back at Zwier’s email with the message that started it all.
“We all have moments of doubt because you can’t win every case,” he said. “You need something that reminds you why you do what you do, why it matters, and that you have the skill and ability to make a difference in the lives of people who need you.”