Derek Colla

Partner
Full contact info

I solve legal and business problems for high-growth companies, from founders with an idea to publicly traded companies.

About Derek

Derek is a founder of Cooley’s Miami office. Derek’s practice focuses on representing high-growth companies and their investors from formation through exit. His clients are primarily in the financial technology sector, broadly defined, including crypto/Web3, insurance, payments, wealth management and lending. Derek has substantial experience representing issuers and investors in private company financings, along with buyers and sellers in M&A. He also regularly advises clients on general corporate issues, securities matters and implications of proposed business transactions. Derek has extensive experience representing clients outside the US, including emerging companies and venture capital funds operating in Latin America.

Education

Harvard Law School
JD, cum laude, 2008

Washington and Lee University
BS, Computer Science, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 2005

Rankings and accolades

Chambers USA: Up and Coming: Startups & Emerging Companies – Nationwide (2024)

Chambers USA: Corporate/M&A & Private Equity – District of Columbia (2021 – 2023)