Deron Freeman: A Legal Odyssey of Passion, Resilience, and Justice

Embracing the Challenges of Legal Practice

Life as an Legal advisor is a relentless journey, an odyssey filled with exhilarating victories, frustrating setbacks, and emotionally exhausting moments. For Deron Freeman, a divorced father of six, this journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. His cell phone rings 24/7, and his days start at 6 a.m., concluding only at midnight. Amidst the chaos, Freeman, the founder of The Law Offices of Deron Freeman, has navigated through diverse legal landscapes, representing a multitude of clients, including those deemed unsavory – killers, rapists, animal abusers, and child molesters.

Freeman staunchly adheres to the belief that everyone is entitled to a defense. "It's not always about getting someone off who is guilty," he asserts. "It's about getting them what the law requires; getting them justice, basically. You recognize the frailty of the human psyche. You see people at their worst. And sometimes you see good people who just make bad decisions. I don't judge any of them."

A Legal Partnership: Father and Son Reunited

With a growing law practice, Freeman reached out to his father in January 2017, marking a significant chapter in his legal journey. The son, a rainmaker, focused on recruiting and securing new clients, while the father, Donald Freeman, handled case research and legal minutiae. The merger, as both envisioned, was set to be mutually beneficial.

"I think the merger will be good for both of us," expressed Donald Freeman, a seasoned attorney at 72. "To be successful, I think one has to spend the hours studying the facts and the law – and pay attention to detail. And maybe the most important is to be courteous, kind, and respectful to people."

For Deron Freeman, his father's discipline, structure, and experience were invaluable assets that his bustling firm needed. "It was like we never parted because we were always so close," Deron fondly recalls. "His office is right next door. So, while we operated separate firms, we talked every day."

A Legacy Beyond Law: Sports, Family, and Challenges

The Freeman family's legacy extends beyond legal prowess. Dad, a stellar football player at Morehouse College and a talented baseball player once drafted by the Detroit Tigers, imparted a passion for sports and intellectual curiosity to his children. Deron, in particular, confessed that baseball was his true love. His aspiration was to become a professional baseball player, and a career in law was a pragmatic "plan B" – a sentiment his father had instilled about the importance of a fallback plan.

A standout baseball player for Windsor High School and a member of its 1991 state championship team, Deron's journey from sports to law was motivated by more than just career aspirations. Growing up in Windsor, a predominantly white suburb, presented its own set of challenges. Deron Freeman candidly shares, "I was called the n-word a lot. 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."

Turning Setbacks into Growth

However, the pivotal moment in Deron Freeman's emerging law practice came unexpectedly in 2005 when his attorney-father, Donald Freeman, fired him. Reflecting on that moment, Deron states, "He really did it as 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."

Ironically, what initially seemed like a setback turned out to be the catalyst for Deron's growth. His first job as a lawyer was with his father after graduating from the Western New England School of Law in 2000. Leaving his father's practice allowed Deron to spread his wings, leading to a revelation: "It was actually the best thing that ever happened to me. … I doubled my salary."

Building a Legal Empire

Today, Deron Freeman runs his own firm with approximately 1,200 clients, managing three associate lawyers, 11 para-professionals, and one administrative assistant. The firm handles a diverse range of cases, including criminal, civil, and personal injury matters. Operating in the same building as Donald Freeman, there are no hard feelings about the split. The Freeman family understands the business of law – it's business, not personal.

Deron Freeman, the second oldest of Donald and the late Bertha Freeman's four children, is part of a unique legal legacy. All three sons – Justin, Deron, and Brandon – followed careers in law, and their sister, Nikia, pursued psychology. Sibling disputes in the Freeman household were settled in a distinctive manner – Judge Judy-style. Donald Freeman served as the judge, hearing arguments from his children. They were expected to "back up our arguments with evidence and to make sure our arguments made sense," Deron, now 43, recollects.

A Seamless Transition to Law School

Law school, for Deron Freeman, was a seamless transition. "Everything was easy to me. I found myself able to digest case law very easily because I grew up with that system of logic in place. I never had a fear of public speaking. It just came natural."

Deron Freeman's life as an attorney is a rich tapestry woven with diverse experiences, familial bonds, and a relentless pursuit of justice. His story is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of law. As he continues to navigate the dynamic world of legal practice, Deron Freeman stands as a beacon for aspiring legal minds, reflecting the essence of a legal luminary who embraces the challenges, triumphs over setbacks, and remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice.