DRT Welcomes New Legal Director Jack Derrybery

April 3, 2020

Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is excited to welcome our new Legal Director Jack W. Derryberry, Jr. starting April 13th, 2020. Jack brings to our organization a wealth of legal knowledge and experience, as well as a deep commitment to the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. 

“Disability Rights Tennessee takes our role protecting the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities very seriously. We wanted a legal director whose passion for disability rights was matched with their legal expertise. We think Jack Derryberry will be a huge asset to our team.” said Lisa Primm, DRT Executive Director

Jack received his B.A. in history at Duke University in 1969 and his J.D. at the University of Tennessee in 1972. His practice has consisted of class action litigation on behalf of persons with disabilities, social security disability matters, special education law, TennCare appeals, health care certificates of need and more. He provided legal services pursuant to John L. v. Adams at Woodland Hills Youth Development Center and New Visions Youth Development Center for the Department of Children’s Services from 1992-2007. Most recently, Jack worked as a partner in the firm Derryberry & Derryberry in Nashville, Tennessee. 

No one could have anticipated the unusual circumstances of the time at which Jack joins the DRT team. However, Jack is not missing a beat, ready to jump in and get to work immediately. 

Jack stated, “In a time when many people are unemployed and need to shelter in place, we need to remember that this situation especially impacts Tennesseans with disabilities. I’m excited to join the very competent and energetic staff at Disability Rights Tennessee at this challenging time. I look forward to helping them work to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities.”

DRT is grateful for Jack’s enthusiasm and looks forward to working with him for years to come.