About Derek Lax

Derek S. Lax is a Partner at Ankin Law in Chicago, focusing on workers' compensation, real estate, and related civil matters. A Philadelphia native, he was inspired toward law by an aunt who headed the Delaware County Social Security Disability and Welfare Administration. While at The John Marshall Law School, he worked at the Fair Housing Clinic and earned 7-11 certification to represent indigent clients on lost-wages and public-housing matters. After graduation he spent three years as a transactional attorney handling real estate, corporate, and probate work, including a stint as an associate at Pokorny & Marks, before joining Ankin Law where he has practiced for over 20 years.

Practice areas

Education

The John Marshall Law School
J.D., B.S. Financial Management & Consumer Affairs, 2005
Ohio State University
Undergraduate, 2002

Bar admissions & credentials

State Bar of Illinois
State Bar of U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
American Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Workers' Compensation Lawyers Association

Awards & recognition

Super Lawyers

Other attorneys at Ankin Law

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Proven verdicts and settlements from other Chicago firms

Clifford Law Offices
Clifford Law Offices
$110 million · American Eagle Flight 4184: $110 Million Crash Settlement and a Courtroom Apology
Corboy & Demetrio
Corboy & Demetrio
$75 million · John Hancock Center Scaffold Collapse: $75 Million Settlement for the Killed and Injured
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
$363 million · Sterigenics Verdict: $363 Million for a Willowbrook Cancer Survivor
Power Rogers LLP
Power Rogers LLP
$100 million · Willis Family Wrongful Death Settlement: $100 Million After Six Children Killed in I-94 Truck Crash
Romanucci & Blandin
Romanucci & Blandin
$98.65 million · $98.65 Million Verdict for Family of Botham Jean, Shot in His Own Apartment by Off-Duty Dallas Officer