Derek A. Pica

Founding Attorney & Family Law Litigator

For four decades, Derek A. Pica has helped Idaho families navigate some of life’s most difficult legal challenges with experience, candor, and practical judgment. Since being admitted to the Idaho Bar in 1986, Derek has built a reputation as a steady trial attorney who combines strategic advocacy with straightforward advice, helping clients make informed decisions in high-stakes family law matters. 

Derek earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho before receiving his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah College of Law in 1986. He is licensed to practice in Idaho and is admitted before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. Throughout his career, he has remained active in the Idaho legal community, including participation in the Idaho State Bar Family Law Section. 

His practice focuses on complex divorce, child custody, child support, property division, guardianships, adoptions, and post-judgment litigation. Whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, Derek is known for approaching every case with careful preparation, direct communication, and a commitment to protecting his clients’ long-term interests. 

In addition to decades of trial experience, Derek has represented clients in significant appeals before the Idaho appellate courts. His appellate work has included matters involving complex property division, guardianship, jurisdiction, and family law issues, including reported decisions such as Borley v. Smith and Fazzio v. Mason. This depth of appellate experience provides valuable perspective when building trial strategies designed to withstand judicial scrutiny. 

Today, Derek continues to represent clients throughout Idaho as a founding attorney of Pica Price, PLLC, where he focuses on providing experienced counsel in high-conflict family law litigation while mentoring the firm’s next generation of advocates. Clients appreciate his honest advice, practical solutions, and willingness to take difficult cases through trial when necessary.

Outside the office, Derek is most at home in the outdoors. A lifelong sportsman, he spends his free time fishing the rivers and coastlines of Alaska, horseback hunting in Idaho’s backcountry, and enjoying everything the Mountain West has to offer. His appreciation for the outdoors reflects the same qualities he brings to his practice— preparation, resilience, and a deep respect for the people and places that make Idaho home.