Associate Judge Derek Obialo

Judge Derek U. Obialo earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Abia State University in Nigeria in 1990 and was called to the Nigerian Bar after graduating from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, Nigeria, in 1991. He later earned an MBA from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) in 2003 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami, Florida, in 2007. Before attending law school at the University of Miami, Judge Obialo worked in construction claims consulting. Prior to assuming office as the Associate Judge of the 240th District Court in January 2025, Judge Obialo maintained a successful legal practice for 17 years primarily in construction law and business litigation. Judge Obialo is a longtime member of the College of the State Bar, he has received multiple community awards and he is deeply committed to public service.