Location: Waco, Texas
Phone: (254) 772-6853
Fax: (254) 772-8884
E-mail: E-mail Me
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 28 years.
Derrel and his wife Debbie have two married sons. Whitney and Brandon Luce and Beran and Barrett Luce all reside in Dallas, Texas. Derrel has devoted much of his time to coaching youth sports while Debbie has served as a volunteer 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
Litigation Percentage
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Certified Legal Specialties
Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1986
Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Recertified 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006
Bar Admissions
Texas, 1980
U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 1982
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas, 1985
U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 1991
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 1991
U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1989
Supreme Court of Texas
U.S. Supreme Court, 1985
Education
Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas
J.D. - 1980
Baylor University
B.A. - 1975
Honors: National Merit Scholar
Honors: All-Southwest Conference and All-American Linebacker
Major: Geology
Representative Cases
Allstate Indem. Co. v. Collier, 983 S.W.2d 342 (Tex. App.--Waco 1998)
City of Waco v. Hester, 805 S.W.2d 807 (Tex. App.--Waco 1990)
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)
Sears, Roebuck & Co. v. Kunze, 996 S.W.2d 416 (Tex. App.-Beaumont 1999)
Segrest v. Segrest, 649 S.W.2d 610 (Tex. 1983)
Professional Associations and Memberships
Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Past Director
American Association for Justice
McLennan County Bar Association.
