Derek Tai
1L; Admissions Ambassador
Hometown:
Taipei, Taiwan
Professional Interests:
Business Law; Public Interest; International and Comparative Law
Student Organizations:
Business Law Society, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
Clinic:
Startup and Small Business
Housing:
On Campus
Pro Bono:
SoCal Chinese Lawyers Association Legal Clinic
Meet Derek:
Derek is a first-year J.D. student at UC Irvine School of Law. Before coming to UC Irvine, he spent nearly a decade practicing law with Baker McKenzie in Taipei and New York, where he worked on cross-border disputes, employment matters, and internal investigations. He later served as in-house counsel at a multinational luxury group, advising on commercial contracts, compliance, and regional legal strategy.
Originally from Taiwan, Derek decided to pursue a U.S. J.D. after several years of working closely with U.S. lawyers and clients, an experience that reshaped his long-term professional goals. He was drawn to UC Irvine Law for its collegial culture, strong focus on public interest and community engagement, and the supportive environment it offers to students from diverse and international backgrounds.
As an Admissions Ambassador, Derek is excited to share his path to law school and help prospective students navigate the application process, especially those considering a nontraditional or international route. Outside of law school, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, and staying active as he adjusts to life in Southern California.