Gilbert Law Firm, LLC was established in 2008 out of a desire to provide top-notch legal services to clients seeking expertise and guidance in real estate matters. Founded with a commitment to client satisfaction, the firm has grown to include 3 attorneys and a growing staff of paralegals and professionals.
Our attorneys, Derek Gilbert, Samuel Bailey, and Melissa Wicker combine over 40 years of experience at practicing law. Drawing on diverse professional backgrounds and extensive legal experience, our team is ready to assist you with your real estate and estate planning needs. We are committed to providing personalized and effective legal solutions to help you achieve your goals.
Our Attorneys
Derek Gilbert | Owner & Attorney
Derek C. Gilbert grew up in Woodbury, Georgia. After graduating from Oglethorpe University in 1990 (B.A., cum laude), he went on to the University of Georgia School of Law where he graduated in 1995 (J.D., cum laude). He was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1995 and the South Carolina Bar in 1997. He has been admitted to the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the South Carolina Supreme Court, the South Carolina Court of Appeals, the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
He and his wife Tracy moved to Beaufort in 1997. In 2008, he founded Gilbert Law Firm LLC in Beaufort, focusing on real estate transactions and related matters. He has been an agent for Chicago Title Insurance Company since 2001.
Beyond his legal career, Derek maintains an active life on Lady’s Island with his wife, Tracy, and their six children. They are active members of St. James Orthodox Church in Beaufort, where he has served on the Mission Council and the Building Committee.
His engagement with the community is evident through his various roles, including his current position on the Board of Trustees of The Historic Beaufort Foundation and as a member of the Beaufort Rotary Club. Previously, Derek served on the Beaufort Rotary Club’s Board of Directors, the Beaufort County Airports Board, Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry’s Board of Directors, the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, and as Secretary for The Historic Beaufort Foundation.
Samuel M. Bailey | Attorney
Samuel M. Bailey has been with Gilbert Law Firm since 2020. With his diverse legal experience and dedication to his clients, Sam is committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to meet the needs of each individual. After graduating high school in 2006, Sam demonstrated a dedication to service by enlisting in the South Carolina Army National Guard. Alongside his military service, Sam pursued his academic endeavors at the University of South Carolina, where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice.
After his graduation from the University of South Carolina, Sam completed several active-duty rotations and a deployment with the U.S. Army. Thereafter, he continued his education at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Sam graduated cum laude from law school in 2017 and passed the South Carolina Bar immediately thereafter.
Sam began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General at the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. In this role, he represented the state’s interests in a variety of criminal legal matters. Thereafter, Sam served as an Assistant Solicitor with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, where he prosecuted criminal cases throughout the Lowcountry. He has also remained committed to his military career as well. Sam still services in the South Carolina Army National Guard as a commissioned Judge Advocate.
Sam is admitted to the South Carolina Bar and the Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina. At Gilbert Law Firm, he specializes in real estate law and estate planning. With a keen attention to detail and an understanding of the complexities within these practice areas, Sam provides guidance and personalized solutions to his clients.
Sam and his wife Caitlin are proud Beaufort natives. They have their wonderful daughter Shaffer and their dog Charlie. Sam serves on the board for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Beaufort. In his spare time, he enjoys boating with his family and golfing throughout the Lowcountry.
Melissa Wicker | Attorney
Melissa Wicker is a highly skilled attorney practicing real estate and business law at Gilbert Law Firm, LLC. With her extensive experience and dedication to her clients, Melissa provides comprehensive and effective legal solutions tailored to meet their unique needs.
Melissa was graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law and passed the Bar in 1991. She served as a South Carolina Supreme Court Staff Attorney from 1991 to 1994, focusing on appellate law in both civil and criminal cases. This provided her not only with a deep understanding of the appellate process but knowledge across a broad base of practice areas as well.
From 1994 to 2001, Melissa was an assistant solicitor for the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. During this time, she gained substantial courtroom experience, handling various criminal matters. Her time as an assistant solicitor developed her litigation skills and fortified her ability to advocate effectively for her clients.
Since moving to Beaufort in 2001, Melissa has practiced exclusively in the areas of real estate and business formation. With her emphasis on real estate, Melissa guides clients through a wide range of property matters. She assists with residential and commercial transactions, contract negotiation, and lease agreements. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to protecting her clients’ interests ensure smooth and successful outcomes in their real estate endeavors.
Melissa and her husband Wayne have been Beaufort residents for twenty-two years. She serves on the Board of Governors for Holy Trinity Classical Christian School and is a member of The Parish Church of St. Helena.