Derek K. Early is a distinguished partner at Brown & Streza LLP, a leading transactional law firm in Southern California renowned for its holistic approach to business and personal planning, particularly in the realm of tax issues. With a robust focus on corporate governance, Derek adeptly represents businesses and high-net-worth individuals, guiding them through the complexities of business planning, succession strategies, and contractual agreements. Derek's expertise extends to general counsel services for a diverse array of privately held companies, where he plays a pivotal role in entity selection, the design and refinement of corporate governance frameworks, and the meticulous review and preparation of contracts. His commitment to his clients is evident in his dedicated efforts to help business owners navigate the intricacies of exit and succession planning, ensuring alignment with their personal, tax, and operational goals. Collaborating closely with the firm’s tax and estate planning attorneys, as well as clients’ financial advisors, Derek excels in executing complex transactions and orchestrating strategic planning initiatives. In the realm of commercial real estate, Derek's extensive experience predominantly revolves around retail shopping centers. He has successfully represented both landlords and tenants in a multitude of lease negotiations while also facilitating sales transactions and financing arrangements. His proficiency in mergers and acquisitions is underscored by a strong emphasis on tax planning and structuring, ensuring optimal outcomes for buyers and sellers alike. Prior to his tenure at Brown & Streza LLP, Derek honed his litigation skills by addressing various business disputes and employment issues, providing him with invaluable insights into the risks and concerns his clients face throughout the litigation process. During his time in law school, he demonstrated leadership as the Managing Editor of the Indiana Law Journal and as President of the Sports & Entertainment Law Society. Notably, Derek is also a proud alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, where he contributed to an Ivy League Championship as a member of the football team in 2000.

Updated: Apr 04, 2026