Legal Services

Commercial Disputes

Derek Cook serves as a Midland-based business dispute lawyer serving Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin with a relentless commitment to results. When you are facing West Texas commercial litigation in the Permian Basin, whether a breach of contract suit, a partnership disagreement, or believe you have a business tort claim for fraud or the like, Derek is prepared to go the distance — including the courtroom.

Unlike firms that shy away from trial, we believe your case’s value should never be compromised by the fear of litigation. We pursue favorable outcomes through strategic advocacy combining negotiation and courtroom strength. We pursue aggressive trial readiness - you won't be pushed into a weak settlement. If your business is in conflict, you can trust and leverage the experience and community ties of a Midland- based commercial litigation attorney who’s ready to fight — and win.

Appeals

When a case doesn’t go your way, the fight isn’t over. Derek is a Midland-based appellate lawyer handling civil and criminal appeals throughout the Permian Basin with precision and tenacity. Appellate work requires more than just legal knowledge — it demands sharp strategy, deep legal insight, and strong written and oral advocacy. We draft persuasive briefs and perform sharp oral advocacy while defending wins and challenging losses across Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin.

Whether challenging an unfavorable judgment or defending a hard-won victory, we’re equipped to navigate Texas appellate courts with confidence. We don’t flinch at complex records or high stakes — and we never reduce a client’s case to a fear-based compromise.

Oil and Gas Litigation

The energy industry drives West Texas. When disputes arise, Derek serves as a Permian Basin-based energy lawyer delivering courtroom-proven representation for landowners, operators, and mineral interest holders by utilizing our more than a decade experience representing major and large independent exploration and production companies. When oilfield conflicts arise, Derek delivers courtroom-tested representation for landowners, operators, and mineral interest holders.

We handle: royalty disputes, lease terminations, surface-use fights, title claims—and more. With 10+ years representing major and independent E&P companies, we bring deep Texas mineral law expertise. our firm handles high-stakes oil and gas litigation throughout Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin. With a deep understanding of Texas mineral law and a fearless approach to jury trials, we protect our clients’ interests in one of the most competitive legal arenas in the state.

Commercial Debt Collection

Unpaid debts can cripple a business — we help you recover what you’re owed. Derek recovers what you're owed by enforcing promissory notes owned by creditors throughout Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin. From enforcing personal guarantees to securing mineral and contractor liens, judgments, and executing collections, we provide strategic litigation support that gets results. As experienced trial lawyers, we don’t back down when debtors refuse to pay. We implement a proactive litigation strategy - including pushing for trial - to compel payment. We litigate with purpose — ensuring your rights are protected and your bottom line is defended.

Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiff Representation

At DDC Law, Derek is an oilfield accident attorney who stands up for injured individuals and families in Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin who are facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Whether you were hurt in an oilfield accident, trucking collision, or serious slip and fall, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable — in the courtroom if necessary.

We don’t take lowball settlements to avoid trial - we prepare each case for juries. As experienced personal injury trial lawyers with a local presence in Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin, we know how to present your case to a jury and pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, damage to personal relationships, and pain and suffering.

Real Property Litigation & Title Disputes

Land ownership in Texas is often more than personal — it’s generational, and it’s worth fighting for. At DDC Law, we represent clients in complex real property litigation involving boundary disputes, title adjudication, adverse possession, and quiet title actions.

Whether you’re a rancher, mineral interest owner, or individual property holder in Midland, Odessa, or the greater Permian Basin, we provide aggressive legal advocacy to resolve disputes and defend your property rights in court. We don’t settle out of fear — we zealously defend and assert your property rights in court.

Mediation

At DDC Law, we offer experienced mediation services to help parties resolve civil disputes efficiently and cost-effectively—without the need for a trial. Mr. Cook understands the financial and emotional toll that prolonged litigation can take. Prefer resolution over litigation? As a skilled mediator, Mr. Cook guides parties through commercial, real estate, oil & gas, and personal injury disputes - efficiently and cost effectively. Through mediation, we provide a neutral setting where parties can work toward mutually agreeable solutions with the guidance of a skilled mediator.
 

Whether the case involves commercial disputes, real estate conflicts, oil and gas litigation, or personal injury claims, our background in jury trials and complex litigation makes us uniquely equipped to facilitate productive dialogue and meaningful resolution. We bring a results-driven approach to mediation, helping parties identify core issues, assess risks, and find common ground - neutral, focused, with trial-tested insight.

Located in Midland and serving Midland, Odessa, and the greater West Texas/Permian Basin region, DDC Law is committed to delivering practical, resolution-focused services that preserve relationships and minimize courtroom time. Our mediation services are ideal for parties seeking a faster, more flexible path to settlement, with or without ongoing litigation.

Criminal Defense

Facing misdemeanor or felony charges? We understand that your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. At DDC Law, we provide aggressive, strategic defense for individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Midland, Odessa, and across the Permian Basin.

Whether you’ve been accused of DWI, drug possession, assault, or white-collar offenses, we treat your case with the seriousness it deserves. As seasoned trial attorneys, we’re prepared to take your defense all the way to a jury — because we know that a strong courtroom presence often leads to better outcomes, both in and out of court. We know that a strong courtroom presence yields better plea deals and verdicts.

Family Law

At DDC Law, we guide clients through some of life’s most personal and high-stakes legal matters with strength and compassion. We handle divorce, child custody, adoption, property division, parentage, and modification proceedings across Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin. DDC Law handles all these matters with compassion and strength.

Whether your case is amicable or contentious, we’re prepared to protect your rights and your family’s future. We pursue resolution, but stand ready for contested hearings or trials. And when peaceful resolution isn’t possible, we do not hesitate to present your case to a jury or judge. Your family deserves an advocate who won’t back down when it matters most.