Deron Freeman: A Journey of Legal Excellence, Family Legacy, and Resilience
Life as an attorney is a multifaceted journey, marked by exhilarating victories, frustrating challenges, and emotional exhaustion. For Deron Freeman, a divorced father of six children and a prominent legal figure, this journey is not just a profession but a relentless commitment to justice, fueled by a childhood shaped by strong black parents deeply involved in the civil rights movement.
A Lifelong Commitment to Justice:
Deron Freeman's life as an attorney is far from typical. His cell phone rings incessantly, a constant reminder of the 24/7 nature of his commitment to his clients. His mornings start at 6 a.m., and it's not unusual for him to be asleep only by midnight. Despite the demanding schedule, Freeman embraces the challenges and the diverse array of cases his firm handles, from criminal and civil matters to personal injury cases.
Over the years, Freeman's firm has represented a wide spectrum of clients, including those society deems unsavory – killers, rapists, animal abusers, and child molesters. Despite the controversial nature of some cases, Freeman adheres to a fundamental belief: everyone is entitled to a defense. This principle has become the cornerstone of his legal career, driving him to provide representation to those who may face societal condemnation.
A Childhood Forged in the Civil Rights Movement:
For Deron Freeman, the pursuit of justice is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Raised by strong black parents actively involved in the civil rights movement, Freeman's childhood was marked by stories of their struggles in the South, particularly in Georgia. The experiences shared by his mother fueled an innate sense of justice and a desire to protect oneself legally. Freeman recalls facing racial slurs during his youth, an experience that ignited a determination to understand how to navigate and combat injustice.
"I was called the n-word a lot,'' Freeman recalls. "And there was a kind of anger that grew inside me. Thinking back on it, I think I wanted to know how to protect myself, legally, and that sort of fueled my desire to be an attorney. Injustice of any kind infuriated me."
Family Legacy and Sibling Bonds:
The Freeman family, comprising Deron, his brothers Justin and Brandon (all lawyers), and sister Nikia (a psychologist), reflects a unique blend of legal legacy and intellectual exploration. Sibling disputes in their Windsor home were settled in true Judge Judy style, with their father, Donald Freeman, presiding as the judge. This upbringing instilled in them the importance of backing up arguments with evidence and making logical sense.
"It's like we never parted because we were always so close," Deron Freeman shares about his father. Despite running separate law firms, their offices are adjacent, fostering a continued closeness and shared professional insights. Donald Freeman, a seasoned attorney at 72, believes that success in the legal profession requires dedication to studying facts and law, attention to detail, and above all, being courteous, kind, and respectful to people.
The Seminal Moment: Firing as a Favor:
Deron Freeman's journey took an unexpected turn in 2005, a pivotal moment that would shape his emerging law practice. His father, Donald Freeman, made a decision that, at first, devastated Deron Freeman – he fired him. However, this seemingly harsh move turned out to be a favor. "He didn't need an extra associate. He brought me in the office one day and said, 'Listen, I can't pay you anymore. Time for you to go out on your own.' At first, I was devastated."
This unexpected turn became a catalyst for Deron Freeman's flourishing legal career. Leaving his father's practice, he soon discovered that it was the best thing that ever happe
ned to him. Doubling his salary, he embraced entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for what is now The Law Offices of Deron Freeman.
A True Love for Baseball and a Plan B:
Deron Freeman's passion for law wasn't his initial plan. Baseball was his first love, with aspirations of becoming a professional player. His father, however, emphasized the importance of having a fallback plan. Deron was a standout baseball player for Windsor High School, contributing to its 1991 state championship team. Before law school, he attended Fairfield University on a baseball scholarship, majoring in political science and graduating in 1996.
The Present: The Law Offices of Deron Freeman:
Today, Deron Freeman runs his own firm with an impressive roster – approximately 1,200 clients, three associate lawyers, 11 paraprofessionals, and one administrative assistant. The firm handles a broad spectrum of cases, including criminal, civil, and personal injury matters, operating in the same building as Donald Freeman. The split from his father's practice was a business decision, devoid of personal animosity, highlighting the Freeman family's deep understanding of the business of law.
"I think the merger will be good for both of us," says Donald Freeman about their proximity. Deron acknowledges that his father's discipline, structure, and experience are just what his bustling firm needs. Despite the challenges and demands of their respective practices, the father and son maintain a close professional relationship, ensuring that lessons and insights are shared seamlessly.
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