Nicole Derden

Growing up in western Oregon and beginning her work with immigrants in the agricultural industry in 1998, a passion for social justice is what drew Nicole Derden to legal work.

She graduated from Carroll College with majors in Spanish and history and a minor in Catholic theology in 2001 and then went to live in Mexico. She returned to Idaho and completed her law degree from the University of Idaho in 2004, then hit the ground running, accepting an associate attorney role for Labrador Law Offices, where she served for nearly four years. She also worked for more than three years as an immigration professor for the Concordia University School of Law and since 2009 has been the owner of the Law Offices of Nicole R. Derden, where she focuses solely on Idaho immigration cases.

“Politics decide what the law is,” she said when asked about a valuable career lesson she’s learned. “Regardless, you have to advocate for your client.”

Derden says she’s inspired by her husband Terry, who demonstrates a strong work ethic, a love for thoughtful political discourse, and his work in Idaho maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. She also said that Maria Andrade showed her what it means to be a zealous advocate.

When she’s not advocating for immigrants in the Gem State, Derden enjoys exploring rural Idaho, hiking and fishing, reading historical fiction, traveling the world and spending time with her family. She also presents and publishes on legal-related topics around the country. Her professional memberships include ASISTA Immigration Assistance, National Immigration Project, CAST Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and more.

In 10 years, Derden hopes to be on her way toward retirement, having her firm ready to hand off to the next generation of talented and dedicated Idaho lawyers.