Attorney General Derek Brown discovered his passion for public service early in his career. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English, complemented by minors in business administration and music, he accepted an offer to attend law school. However, he and his wife, Emilie, embarked on a transformative journey by deferring for a year to travel. Upon their return, Derek embraced opportunities as an intern at the Utah Legislature and at the Office of the Attorney General under Jan Graham, laying the groundwork for a meaningful career dedicated to serving others.
Attorney General Brown’s journey embodies determination and excellence. As editor-in-chief of the Pepperdine Law Review at Pepperdine Law School, he laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Graduating in 2000, he honed his skills by clerking for Ruggero Aldisert, the esteemed former chief judge of the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. His passion for justice continued as he practiced litigation and appellate law with Mayer Brown, forging a path dedicated to making a difference.
In 2002, Mike Lee, who would later become a senator from Utah, recognized Attorney General Brown’s potential and recruited him to practice constitutional and appellate law at Sidley Austin, where he flourished until 2004. Following this pivotal period, Attorney General Brown served as legal counsel to Senator Bob Bennett from 2004 to 2006 and then to Senator Orrin Hatch from 2006 to 2007, contributing his expertise to the nation’s governance.
Transitioning back to the private sector, Attorney General Brown embraced the opportunity to teach communications law as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, shaping the minds of future leaders. In 2010, he took on the honor of representing House District 49 in the Utah House of Representatives, making a difference in his community.
In January 2014, when Senator Mike Lee invited Brown to serve as deputy chief of staff and state director, Brown courageously stepped down from his House seat, showcasing his commitment to public service. He dedicated two years to advancing Senator Lee’s mission before returning to the private sector. In 2019, he was elected chair of the Republican Party, serving until 2021, demonstrating his leadership skills.
After two more years in the private sector, Attorney General Brown announced his campaign in winter 2023 and dedicated himself wholeheartedly, culminating in his election on November 5, 2024.
Today, Attorney General Brown and his wife, Emilie, are proud parents of four children. They live in Cottonwood Heights, where their shared passion for music and community service continues to inspire those around them.