Meet Derek A. Pica
Derek A. Pica is an experienced and highly regarded family law attorney in Boise. Since 1992, his firm has been representing individuals and families who are navigating complex legal matters, including divorce and estate planning, throughout the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas.
Derek A. Pica offers his clients a straightforward and honest approach; he does not sugarcoat things but, instead, provides realistic advice and practical legal solutions tailored to each unique situation. In every case, he strives to find the most efficient and economical solutions for his clients, working to familiarize himself with every aspect and minor detail of his clients’ cases.
Derek A. Pica often works with his clients on the emotional aspects of their cases as well, allowing them to see the litigation process as beneficial, rather than frightening. When a case must proceed to trial, Derek A. Pica works to ensure his clients are fully prepared for and confident in the process.
Background & Experience
Born in Michigan, Derek A. Pica moved to Idaho at an early age when his father was drafted in the Vietnam War and stationed at Mountain Home Airforce Base.
Derek A. Pica attended high school in Twin Falls, Idaho before going on to obtain his undergraduate degree at the University of Idaho and his law degree at the University of Utah, School of Law.
After graduating law school in 1986, he began his legal career that same year in Twin Falls. In 1990, he moved to Boise and opened his own practice in May of 1992.
In total, Derek A. Pica has over 33 years of legal experience, 30 of which he has spent primarily handling family law, divorce, and child custody cases.
Attorney Pica makes himself available to his clients. He is a very thorough researcher and is known by the state bar for his brief writing.
He is also highly experienced in the courtroom. With regard to complex property issues in divorce actions, Derek A. Pica is adept at working through tracing issues to determine whether property is community or separate under state law.
Derek A. Pica understands that, particularly in divorce and child custody cases, clients often feel as though they have no control over the outcome or their lives. Because of this, he strives to put his clients at ease by ensuring they are fully prepared for mediation and/or trial.
All client calls are returned within 24 hours and, whenever possible, within the same day. Additionally, every client is provided with copies of every document related to their case.
Derek A. Pica resides on a 176-acre ranch in Emmett, Idaho. When he is not practicing law, he is ranching. He and his wife raise Tennessee walking horses and he is also an avid hunter and fisherman.
Notable Achievements
- Passed the Idaho State Bar Exam in 1986
- Founded Derek A. Pica, PLLC in May, 1992
- Authored “The Tender Years Doctrine – Is It Still the Law?” Published in The Advocate in January, 1995
- Prevailed in Seminal Idaho Supreme Court Decision Fazzio v. Mason, 150 Idaho 591, 249 P.3d 390 (2011) regarding specific performance of a buyer of real property
Community Involvement
- Board Member, the Bews Foundation, a charitable foundation that provides grants for educational purposes and charitable community activities
Education
- B.A. University of Idaho, 1983
- J.D. University of Utah, 1986
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
- Idaho State Bar
- Member of Family Law Section of Idaho State Bar
- Federal Court for the District of Idaho
Awards
- Fifth District Bar Law Day Organizer, 1987
