Derrek Hochhalter
Hudson,Wisconsin
Summary
Driven legal candidate with extensive trial experience and a strong foundation in legal research. Known for effective client communication and successful case outcomes. Ready to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic legal environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Attorney
St. Croix County District Attorney's Office
Hudson, WI
05.2025 - Current
- I became certified to appear in court on behalf of the state of Wisconsin.
- I became trusted enough to conduct preliminary hearings and sentencing hearings by myself.
- Drafted a number of motions and briefs on behalf of the state. Some briefs include a constitutional challenge to Wisconsin's Operating While Intoxicated statute, which was won at oral ruling; a brief in a 1st Degree Intentional Homicide case. Other briefs include plea withdrawals, and prior act challenges.
- I was tasked with conducting two jury trials. This included witness prep, evidence prep, voir dire, creating the arguments for the state, and arguing the case before a jury. I won both jury trials.
- I was tasked with five bench/court trials, with the same responsibilities as the jury trials. I won four.
- I am currently drafting briefs for the office while attending school.
Various Service Industry Jobs
Cowboy Jacks, Dicks Bar and Grill, Devils Advocate
01.2019 - Current
- 100% self-supported during undergraduate school through loans and working service industry jobs such as a security guard, server, and bartender.
- Through these jobs, I developed good communication skills and the ability to develop a conversation.
- At each job I became a trusted employee who became close with regulars and created new ones.
Intern
Ross Ewing, Family Court Judge
Lexington, Kentucky
01.2025 - 05.2025
- I primarily observed family court proceedings before Judge Ewing.
- Drafted briefs for and conducted legal research.
- Learned legal doctrine from the perspective of a judge in the Fayette Circuit Court.
- This experience allowed me to understand correct courtroom conduct and etiquette.
- Experience showed me what judges take into consideration when lawyers argue a case.
Law Clerk
Justin Peterson Law Office
Lexington, KY
05.2024 - 12.2024
- I worked in a personal injury firm, completed administrative work, drafted motions and memos, and conducted legal research.
- Trusted to meet with clients and other attorneys.
- Researched case law to support legal arguments for ongoing cases.
- Drafted legal documents including briefs, motions, and contracts efficiently.
- Communicated with clients to gather information and provide case updates effectively.
- Conducted legal research using various databases and resources systematically.
- I worked primarily on a mass tort in which the firm had been involved.
Campaign Intern
Chris Parsons Campaign
Minneapolis, MN
07.2021 - 11.2021
- Organized and participated in canvassing the city district mostly going door to door.
- Helped organize events and create a social media presence.
- I met with prospective voters and gauged their interest and through the data collected, I collaborated with others to create our campaign messaging.
Education
J.D. -
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
Lexington, KY05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN12-2022
Skills
- Legal research
- Argument development
- Trial preparation
- Trial experience
- Client communication
- Brief drafting
- Public speaking
- Criminal law
- Critical thinking
- Excellent communication
- Tax law
Hobbies and Interests
- Fitness
- Movies
- Reading
- Traveling
References
- Timothy Johnson, University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, Political Science, 1433 Social Sciences Building, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, trk@umn.edu
- Joachim Savelsberg, University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, Sociology, 1144 Social Sciences Building, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, savel001@umn.edu, 612-624-0273
- Judge Ross Ewing, Fayette Circuit Court, 120 N Limestone # 103, Lexington, KY, 40507, RossEwing@kycourts.net
- Karl Anderson, District Attorney of St. Croix County Wisconsin, 1001 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, Karl.Anderson@da.wi.gov, 715-381-4368
- Aaron Damrau, Assistant District Attorney of St. Croix County Wisconsin, 1001 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, Aaron.Damrau@da.wi.gov, 715-386-4664
- Raquel Wilson, Professor at University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, Law Bldg, 620 S Limestone, Lexington, KY 40506, Raquel.Wilson@uky.edu
Timeline
Student Attorney
St. Croix County District Attorney's Office
05.2025 - Current
Intern
Ross Ewing, Family Court Judge
01.2025 - 05.2025
Law Clerk
Justin Peterson Law Office
05.2024 - 12.2024
Campaign Intern
Chris Parsons Campaign
07.2021 - 11.2021
Various Service Industry Jobs
Cowboy Jacks, Dicks Bar and Grill, Devils Advocate
01.2019 - Current
J.D. -
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
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