LAWYER PROFILE
Derek Walter

Derek Walter

USA 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Jones Day

Practice Areas

Derek Walter focuses on patent litigation related to technologies in the biological and chemical disciplines. He has worked on both the plaintiff and defense side in matters relating to DNA sequencing technology, noninvasive fetal diagnostic techniques, microfluidics, organ transplant monitoring, and cancer testing. He has represented clients before the International Trade Commission and the U.S. Patent Office, and in U.S. District Courts, in all phases of patent litigation encompassing a wide range of technical areas, particularly life sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry at UCLA, where he was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Derek is the author of over a dozen scientific publications in areas including bacterial genetics, gas phase ion chemistry, and computational chemistry.

Personal

University of Utah (B.S.), UCLA (M.S., Ph.D.), UC Berkeley Law (J.D.)

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation - California

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Derek Walter is noted for his expertise in high-stakes patent disputes, regularly advising life sciences companies in infringement matters and before the ITC and PTAB.

Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - California

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial
Derek Walter maintains a broad IP disputes practice, regularly litigating patent matters in district courts and before the ITC.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Derek is an outstanding lawyer and formidable advisory.

    Life Sciences: IP/Patent LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Derek is an exceptional litigator who has a deep understanding of technology and knows how to develop winning strategies.

    Life Sciences: IP/Patent LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Derek is a very good trial lawyer, with presence, who develops good arguments and really knows the science. He creates an incredibly good work product and is an excellent writer.

    Life Sciences: IP/Patent LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Derek has an excellent skill set.

    Intellectual Property: Patent LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Derek Walter focuses on winning. I want to work with him again.

    Intellectual Property: Patent LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Derek Walter is responsive and professional, and puts client needs front and center.

    Intellectual Property: Patent LitigationChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Jones Day (227)

California

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership