Derek H. MacKay

Derek MacKay is a founding partner of Knight Nicastro MacKay. His practice focuses on high-stakes civil litigation, catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, and complex liability matters. He is widely recognized as the trial lawyer to bring into cases when the exposure is significant, the venue is difficult, and trial is inevitable.

Mr. MacKay has tried cases across the United States as lead and parachute trial counsel, frequently stepping into matters shortly before trial to assume responsibility for jury selection, opening statement, evidentiary strategy, witness examination, and closing argument. Insurers, corporations, and risk managers rely on him when a case demands not only technical legal skill, but credibility with juries and the ability to simplify complex factual and legal issues.

His trial experience spans a broad range of practice areas, including transportation and trucking litigation, premises liability, product liability, medical negligence, insurance bad-faith claims, commercial disputes, and intentional torts. He has defended cases involving eight and nine figure exposure and has handled numerous matters where punitive damages, spoliation allegations, or reputational risk materially altered the trial landscape.

What distinguishes Mr. MacKay is his ability to frame cases around common-sense narratives that resonate with jurors while maintaining rigorous command of the evidence and governing law. He is known for aggressive but disciplined cross-examination, strategic use of demonstratives, and a trial style that emphasizes preparation, clarity, and accountability. Opposing counsel and judges routinely recognize his command of the courtroom and his effectiveness with juries.

In addition to his trial work, Mr. MacKay regularly advises clients on case evaluation, early risk assessment, and trial-readiness strategy, often helping shape litigation posture long before a jury is empaneled. He is frequently consulted by other attorneys for trial strategy, mock jury analysis, and damages themes in high-exposure cases.

As a managing partner, Mr. MacKay is deeply involved in firm leadership, attorney development, and maintaining Knight Nicastro MacKay’s reputation as a trial-ready firm that does not posture for trial but rather, a firm that actually tries cases. He has built and led teams across multiple jurisdictions and is known for mentoring younger attorneys in courtroom advocacy and trial preparation.

Mr. MacKay earned his reputation the same way he practices: by being willing to try cases, to take responsibility, and to deliver positive resolutions under the most demanding conditions.

‍

Follow On LinkedIn

mackay@knightnicastro.com

(816) 708-0105

Kansas City, Missouri

Explore Other Attorneys

All Attorneys

Chad M. Knight

Member

Denver, Colorado

Allison L. Greenfield

Member

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Morrow

Member

St. Louis, Missouri

Elaine Moss

Member

St. Louis, Missouri

Trent Church

Member

Kansas City, Missouri

Erik H. Nelson

Member

Kansas City, Missouri

Derek MacKay is a founding partner of Knight Nicastro MacKay. His practice focuses on high-stakes civil litigation, catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, and complex liability matters. He is widely recognized as the trial lawyer to bring into cases when the exposure is significant, the venue is difficult, and trial is inevitable.

Mr. MacKay has tried cases across the United States as lead and parachute trial counsel, frequently stepping into matters shortly before trial to assume responsibility for jury selection, opening statement, evidentiary strategy, witness examination, and closing argument. Insurers, corporations, and risk managers rely on him when a case demands not only technical legal skill, but credibility with juries and the ability to simplify complex factual and legal issues.

His trial experience spans a broad range of practice areas, including transportation and trucking litigation, premises liability, product liability, medical negligence, insurance bad-faith claims, commercial disputes, and intentional torts. He has defended cases involving eight and nine figure exposure and has handled numerous matters where punitive damages, spoliation allegations, or reputational risk materially altered the trial landscape.

What distinguishes Mr. MacKay is his ability to frame cases around common-sense narratives that resonate with jurors while maintaining rigorous command of the evidence and governing law. He is known for aggressive but disciplined cross-examination, strategic use of demonstratives, and a trial style that emphasizes preparation, clarity, and accountability. Opposing counsel and judges routinely recognize his command of the courtroom and his effectiveness with juries.

In addition to his trial work, Mr. MacKay regularly advises clients on case evaluation, early risk assessment, and trial-readiness strategy, often helping shape litigation posture long before a jury is empaneled. He is frequently consulted by other attorneys for trial strategy, mock jury analysis, and damages themes in high-exposure cases.

As a managing partner, Mr. MacKay is deeply involved in firm leadership, attorney development, and maintaining Knight Nicastro MacKay’s reputation as a trial-ready firm that does not posture for trial but rather, a firm that actually tries cases. He has built and led teams across multiple jurisdictions and is known for mentoring younger attorneys in courtroom advocacy and trial preparation.

Mr. MacKay earned his reputation the same way he practices: by being willing to try cases, to take responsibility, and to deliver positive resolutions under the most demanding conditions.

‍