Derek G. Gay, a Sussex County native born and raised in Lewes, Delaware, graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 2008. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware in 2012 and his Juris Doctorate from Delaware Law School in 2015. At 24, Derek passed the Delaware Bar exam on his first attempt. He began his legal career as an associate at Stumpf, Vickers, and Sandy P.A., where he interned throughout law school and practiced criminal and family law.
In October 2016, Derek joined the Delaware Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General, where he prosecuted a range of cases from traffic violations to homicides and led the Drug Unit in prosecuting major drug offenders. In March 2022, Derek transitioned to private practice with The Smith Firm, LLC, focusing on Criminal Defense, Family Law, Real Estate Law, and Personal Injury.
In January 2024, Derek joined Gonser and Gonser, P.A., primarily practicing out of the Georgetown office. He brings extensive trial experience in Family Court, the Court of Common Pleas, and Superior Court. Derek’s background in prosecution provides him with unique insights into case investigations and strategies, enabling him to secure the best resolutions for his clients across a wide array of legal matters.
