Derek Demeri

Derek J. Demeri (he/him or they/them) is an attorney with Weissman & Mintz LLC where they primarily represent labor unions, individual employees, and progressive organizations that advance democracy, economic justice, and civil rights for all. He regularly advises clients on labor and employment matters, litigates workplace disputes, and represents unions in collective bargaining. A lifelong New Jersey resident, they bring extensive experience in anti-discrimination work and community organizing, particularly on behalf of workers, LGBTQ+ people, and sex workers. 

His passion for equality and justice began in high school when they successfully organized a Gay-Straight Alliance despite a resistant and, at times, hostile school administration. In 2013, he co-founded the New Jersey Red Umbrella Alliance—New Jersey’s only sex worker rights organization—and appeared before members of the United Nations Human Rights Council to discuss documented human rights violations against sex workers. Building on this organizing experience, Derek later joined the international labor union UNITE HERE! as a boycott organizer, supporting workers during the 2016 Trump Taj Mahal Casino strike in Atlantic City. 

Since becoming a lawyer, Derek has also taught a course on the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination at Rutgers Law School as an Adjunct Professor and proudly joined the strike line during the 2023 AAUP professors’ strike. Most recently, they founded Q Law, New Jersey's LGBTQ+ bar association, and served as its inaugural president from 2025 to 2026.