Law Firm Overview

Derrel Luce was born and grew up in Lake Jackson, Texas. He graduated from Brazoswood High in 1971. Derrel was named a National Merit Scholar for which he earned an academic scholarship and also accepted a football scholarship to Baylor University.

He attended Baylor University and graduated in 1975 with a bachelor of arts in Geology. From 1972 through 1974, Derrel was on the varsity football team at Baylor University, and was named captain and most valuable player by his teammates for the 1974 SWC champion Bears. Derrel received recognition as a consensus all Southwest Conference and all-american linebacker following the 1974 season.

Then from 1975 through 1980, Derrel was a linebacker for the Baltimore Colts, the Minnesota Vikings ( N.F.L.P.A. Player Representative), and the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.

During the off-seasons while playing for the National Football League, he returned to Baylor University to study law and graduated from Baylor Law School in May of 1980. He has been living and practicing law in Waco for over 21 years.

Derrel and his wife Debbie Luce have two children, Brandon and Barrett. He and Debbie have devoted much of their time to coaching youth sports and volunteering for numerous local organizations. Debbie is a member of the Waco Independent School District Board of Trustees.

Derrel is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying wildlife photography, saltwater fishing, and all types of physical fitness activities. He also is a private and instrument rated pilot, a hobby he uses both recreationally and vocationally.

Areas of Practice

• Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
• Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
• Products Liability Law
• Toxic Torts
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents

Representative Cases

• Hironymous v. Allison, 893 S.W.2d 578 (Tex. App.--Corpus Christi 1994)
• Providence Lloyd's Ins. Co. v. Smith, 828 S.W.2d 328 (Tex. App.-Austin 1992)
• City of Waco v. Hester, 805 S.W.2d 807 (Tex. App.--Waco 1990)
• Segrest v. Segrest, 649 S.W.2d 610 (Tex. 1983)
• Allstate Indem. Co. v. Collier, 983 S.W.2d 342 (Tex. App.--Waco 1998)
• Sears, Roebuck & Co. v. Kunze, 996 S.W.2d 416 (Tex. App.-Beaumont 1999)

West Practice Categories

Admiralty & Maritime Law, Shipping, Agriculture Law, Agribusiness, Agrochemicals, Crops, Equine, Farms & Ranches, Livestock, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Mediation, Mini-trials, Private Judging, Business & Commercial Law, Consumer Protection, Contracts, Transactions, Warranties, Class Actions -- Plaintiff, Constitutional Law, Eminent Domain, Grand Jury Proceedings, Search & Seizure Protections, Criminal Law, Energy Law, Minerals & Mining, Oil & Gas, Environmental Law, Hazardous Waste, Ethics & Professional Responsibility, Ethics, Professional Responsibility, Government Agencies & Programs, Food & Drug Administration, Medicare & Medicaid, Social Security -- Disability, Health & Health Care Law, Disability, Insurance Law, Bad Faith, Commercial Insurance, Errors & Omissions Insurance, Insurance Malpractice, Insurance Subrogation, Motor Vehicle, Property & Casualty, Title Insurance, Litigation & Appeals, Class Actions, Complex Litigation, Federal Trial Practice, State Trial Practice, US Supreme Court, Natural Resources Law, Fisheries & Wildlife, Water & Riparian Rights, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Defense, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Animal Bites -- Plaintiff, Assault & Battery -- Plaintiff, Aviation Accidents -- Plaintiff, Defamation & Privacy -- Plaintiff, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff, Premises Liability -- Plaintiff, Property Damage -- Plaintiff, Railroad Accidents -- Plaintiff, Slip and Fall -- Plaintiff, Wrongful Death -- Plaintiff, Products Liability Law, Alcoholic Beverages, Apparel, Asbestos, Chemicals & Cosmetics, Firearms, Food & Agricultural Products, Machinery & Tools, Medical Products & Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Pharmaceutical Products, Recreational Products, Tobacco, Professional Malpractice Law, Dental Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Other Professionals Malpractice, Railroad Worker Injury/FELA, Real Estate Law, Sexual Abuse -- Plaintiff, Toxic Torts, Pesticides, Radiation & Electromagnetic Energy, Toxic Mold, Transportation Law, Aviation, Mass Transit, Railroad, Trucking