Overview
DERRICK A. RUBIN, Esq. has been with the firm since 1997, and is a Senior Partner in the firm. For more than four decades, Derrick has been a steadfast presence in New York’s legal landscape, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike for his legal acumen, steadiness under pressure, and civic engagement. He is the Chair and lead attorney of the firm’s estate planning department, Derrick has helped guide generations of families through family law disputes, real estate transactions, contested guardianship and probate matters, and estate litigation, approaching each case with meticulous preparation and a commitment to practical solutions.
Derrick’s path into law was shaped by strong academic foundations and a broad interest in how the law intersects with daily life. After earning a B.S. in Business, cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany in 1981, he went on to receive his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 1984 — launching a career that would span family law, real estate, business law, civil litigation, and more.
Since joining Wisselman Harounian in 1997, Derrick has become known not just for his experience but for his knowledge regarding the equitable distribution of retirement assets, earning him the title “QDRO King. ”His work has been widely recognized: he has been selected to the prestigious New York Metro Super Lawyers list for over 10 consecutive years, a distinction that reflects peer recognition and professional achievement in legal practice.
Beyond his legal practice, Derrick has been deeply involved in community life and public service, reflecting a belief that leadership extends well past the courtroom. He served as Mayor of the Village of Flower Hill, and took on leadership roles including Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Chairman of the Planning Board, where he engaged with local governance and development issues.
Derrick has also served as an arbitrator for Nassau County District Court disputes, presiding over hundreds of matters, and has participated in community‑oriented organizations such as Temple Judea (as an attorney and board member) and the Parker Jewish Institute. He was involved with Roslyn Little League in a leadership role as Treasurer, further reflecting his connection with local families and youth activities.
Colleagues and clients characterize him as a thoughtful, down to earth, and thoroughly prepared advocate — someone who brings both legal expertise and genuine human concern to every matter. Whether advising a family in transition or negotiating complex legal arrangements, Derrick blends decades of experience with a grounded appreciation for the personal stakes involved.
Derrick and his wife Roberta have three adult children and two grandchildren. They live in Nassau County.
Awards, Memberships & Affiliations
- 2019 -2021 Best Law Firms, US News & World Report
- New York Metro Super Lawyer, 2014- 2020
- Awarded for seven consecutive years. Only 5% of New York Attorneys are selected.
- Arbitrator, District Court of Nassau County, 1992-present – Presided over hundreds of cases
- Temple Judea, Board Member and Temple Attorney
- Former Associate Board Member, Parker Jewish Institute
- Former Treasurer for Roslyn Little League
Admissions
- New York State Bar (1985)
- Eastern and Southern Districts (1993)
