Derick E. Konz

Partner

Contact Me: 916-564-6100 -Ext. 232

Fax: 916-564-6263

Secretary: Rimsha Khan – Ext. 220, rkhan@akk-law.com

Biography

Mr. Konz dedicates his legal practice to federal civil rights litigation and takes pride in representing individuals who serve the public good. He has built a strong track record of successfully defending various public employees, including police officers, sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, administrative staff, superior court judges, judicial commissioners, and judicial clerks. His primary area of expertise lies in handling cases related to claims under the United States Constitution. The majority of his cases revolve around allegations concerning excessive force, unlawful detention, unlawful search, unlawful conditions of confinement, and matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He also has experience defending religious organizations, state-regulated care facilities, and private businesses in cases involving discrimination, elder abuse, and dangerous conditions.
Mr. Konz frequently delivers presentations to law enforcement agencies on a range of topics, including but not limited to use-of-force, interactions with individuals suffering from mental illness, warrantless home entries, report writing, and meticulous record-keeping.
In approaching each case, Mr. Konz adheres to a fundamental principle: conducting a comprehensive early analysis and formulating a focused strategy for resolution.
Before joining Angelo, Kilday, & Kilduff, Mr. Konz dedicated eight years to educating as a math teacher at a public high school in Stockton. During the final three years of his teaching career, he embarked on a journey through McGeorge School of Law as an evening student, diligently balancing his daytime teaching responsibilities. His commitment paid off as he graduated as a member of the prestigious Traynor Honor Society and earned the Witkin Award in Criminal Procedure. He interned with the San Joaquin County Public Defender during the summers and regularly volunteered at the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation.
At present, he dedicates his time as a volunteer judge for the McGeorge School of Law National Trial Ethics Competition, contributing to the legal education community. Additionally, he consistently volunteers as a youth sports coach within the City of Lodi, actively engaging in community service and promoting youth development.
He was selected as a Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 by Super Lawyers and featured in Sacramento Magazine’s Top Lawyers List.

Practice Areas

  • Public Entity Defense
  • Civil Rights Litigation
  • Employment Litigation
  • Elder Abuse
  • General Torts

Bar Admissions

  • California, 2012
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of California

Past Positions

  • Mayall Hurley, P.C., Associate Attorney, 2013 to 2017
  • San Joaquin County Public Defender, Certified Law Student, 2010 to 2011

Education

  • McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California
    • J.D. – 06/2012
    • Honors: With Distinction
  • St. Mary’s College of California
    • B.A. – 05/2001
    • Major: Philosophy

Representative Cases

  • Porter v. Vignau (9th Cir. July 16, 2018) No. 18-15332, 2018 WL 3551007