How it Began . . . 

Politics runs through D. Miller’s veins. He grew up in a political family. D’s grandfather, Art Miller was the first Mayor of the city of Warren.  To the right, is a photo of Mayor Arthur J. Miller in his office in Warren in 1959. His grandmother, Edna Miller was the first female County Clerk of Macomb County.  As a young man, Derek watched his father, Senator Art Miller run, lose and win campaigns. “You never learn as much in politics as you do when you lose an election. It’s something nobody ever wants to go through, but it can help you win in the end,” said D. Miller.  

As a young man, Derek grew up visiting the State Capitol with his father.  He learned a lot watching the relationships that Senator Miller developed over his 25 years in the Senate.  Every fall, Derek, his brother and dad would go on an annual hunting trip near West Branch, MI with fellow legislators and their families. Senator Miller was the Democratic Leader of the Senate, but the majority of his father’s colleagues on these trips were members of the Republican caucus. Derek continued to learn that building relationships was a huge part of being successful. As a legislator, Derek would spend many evenings getting to know his colleagues of the opposite party. Of course, Miller was also part of the Sportsman Caucus. 

Building his Path

Derek’s father always said that his biggest regret was not becoming a lawyer.  Derek took that advice and fulfilled a personal dream of becoming a lawyer, graduating from U of D Mercy with a J.D. in 2009 and successfully passing the Bar on his first attempt.  

In 2014, after serving almost 5 years in Macomb County as an Assistant Prosecutor, Derek decided to run for State Representative for his hometown of Warren, fulfilling a childhood dream. He was successful in his campaign by following a disciplined campaign strategy. 

Miller was amazed after being elected that he was one of only 5 lawyers among the 110 members serving in the State House of Representatives.  When creating and proposing legislation, this gave D. Miller a distinct advantage of proposing legislation that would actually pass the constitutionality test if ever challenged in court.  

D. Miller has written and/or proposed legislation to promote economic fairness, prosperity, cheaper taxes, better roads, criminal justice reform, cleaner energy and laws attempting to lower auto insurance rates while promoting transparency of the State’s Catastrophic Claims Fund.  

So Where Did The “D” In D. Miller Come From? 

Derek was the youngest of 4 children to loving parents, Art and Marsha Miller.  His Father, the late State Senator Arthur J. Miller Jr., was well known in Lansing, through the halls of the State Capitol, as the “Dean” of the Senate. Senator Miller retired from the Senate after a distinguished 25 years in office. 

Growing up, Derek followed his father’s every political footstep. Senator Miller would always refer to Derek as “D” growing up.  When his friends heard Mr. Miller call Derek, “D” the name stuck. A number of versions became common at school, on the playground, on the athletic field, at work, in court and, yes in the halls of the Capitol. i.e. Big D, D-Mills and, of course, D. Miller. 

Senator Miller would often preach to Derek, “D, always take the time to listen to people and don’t forget where you come from. We never trade old friends for new ones!”   

Therefore, in honor of his parents, Derek has named his law practice D. Miller Law P.C. 

Derek, above with his wife Katie and Parents after being sworn in as Macomb County Treasurer by Supreme Court Justice David Viviano.

D. Miller has always been a name that his friends, teammates, colleagues, victims and clients have come to trust and rely on.  Do what many have done before you and call 855-Let-D-Help.

Other Areas of Government D. Miller has Personal Experience:

  • Energy Infrastructure,
  • Renewable Mandates,
  • Public Service Commission,
  • Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS),
  • Catastrophic Claims Fund,
  • Auto Nofault,
  • Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act,
  • Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), 
  • Liquor Control Commission,
  • Consumer Protection,
  • Emergency Managers,
  • Municipal Laws and Regulations,
  • Michigan Assocation of County Treasurers,
  • Forfeiture Laws and Regulations,
  • Prosecutoring Attorney’s Assocation pf Michigan (PAAM),
  • Recycling,
  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE),
  • Waste Management,
  • Traffic Safety and Motor Department of Transportation,
  • Labor Relations.