Derege Demissie

Derege Demissie, admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association in 1997, brings a robust legal background to his practice with Demissie & Associates in Boston, Massachusetts. He concentrates his practice on complex immigration and criminal matters.

With admissions to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st and 4th Circuits. He graduated cum laude with his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, where he was not only on the dean’s list but also earned the title of Editor of the Year for the Suffolk University Law School Transnational Law Review. His foundational studies in government and politics were completed at George Mason University in 1994.

Mr. Demissie conducts a comprehensive practice that includes defending clients against major crimes in both state and federal courts. His role extends beyond defense; he also manages complex civil litigation cases. His courtroom experience is extensive, having successfully tried numerous jury trials and conducted appeals before prestigious courts, including the Massachusetts Appeals Court, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. In his practice, he provides counsel to both individuals and businesses, ensuring a breadth of understanding and support in various legal scenarios.

In addition to his practice, Mr. Demissie is deeply involved in the legal community. He currently presides as the president of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has held significant positions such as the co-chair of Suffolk Lawyers for Justice, Inc., and former vice president of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. His commitment to legal education is evident through his regular participation as a panelist and instructor on continuing legal education programs, where he shares his knowledge on criminal defense with fellow attorneys.

Mr. Demissie's notable cases reflect his extensive experience and ability to handle high-stakes situations. These include Herbert vs. Ashcroft, where he contributed to the discourse on federal appellate proceedings and the Commonwealth vs. Lopes, a pivotal case in the Massachusetts Appeals Court.