A Champion For Your Business — Derek Usman Of The Usman Law Firm 

Attorney Derek Usman of the Usman Law Firm can handle any type of business or employment law case. (Photo provided by Derek Usman) 

With a location near where New Tampa meets Wesley Chapel on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., attorney Derek Usman stands out as a dedicated advocate and litigator in the fields of employment law and business law. Derek moved to Wesley Chapel from Chicago in 2015 to be closer to family and began his journey with a small office on Bearss Ave. In 2018, he expanded to the office on BBD, and has quickly made his legal practice a respected name in the area. 

Derek’s journey as an attorney started after he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business from Indiana University in Fort Wayne and his Juris Doctor (J.D., or Law) degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in DeKalb in 2001. His is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Illinois, as well as in federal courts, including the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This wide reach allows Derek to assist clients across jurisdictions with a deep knowledge of litigation and business law. 

Three years ago, Derek expanded his practice to an office in downtown Tampa. As to why, he says, “Many of my opposing counsels have offices downtown, and having an office there makes it easier for me to meet with them and negotiate. I also am closer to the courts.” 

Derek’s enthusiasm for the legal field goes beyond standard litigation. “I like the dynamics of this type of law,” he says. “You have to interact with opposing attorneys and judges a lot. The process (of business and employment law) is unique.” 

He explains that his clients often deal with complex issues, like defective products. Unlike more clear-cut cases, Derek’s work requires him to prove each element of every complaint — a task that demands analytical skills and a solid understanding of the law. 

“The difference between this type of law and other types is simple,” Derek explains. “For example, if there is an accident, everyone knows there was an accident, but with this type of law, I often have to prove that something actually happened.” 

Employment Law A Specialty 

One of the core areas Derek specializes in is employment law. His work in this field involves representing employees and businesses in disputes centered around agreements and contractual obligations. “This is again something that I have to prove happened,” he explains. 

One example is when an employee leaves a company and signs an agreement that might have language that misleads the employee. Derek highlights the importance of finding misleading language and ambiguities, using his legal skills to protect his clients’ rights. “It is my job to prove that it was misleading, to find those ambiguities, and I have been successful in doing this,” he says. 

“I highly recommend Mr. Usman, who ensured our process was transparent and thoroughly explained every detail, which was crucial for our non-locally based business with significant operations in Florida. We required someone trustworthy, a rarity nowadays, but I’m delighted to have found Derek Usman’s law firm, exemplifying integrity, honesty, genuineness and a strong work ethic. Mr. Usman demonstrates expertise and efficiently completes tasks, even with challenging parties. For that I am grateful and will continue to do business with Usman Law Firm.” — Alexandra Ciles, Flores Ciles Contractors, LLC 

Another area where Derek offers assistance is in fraud cases, including often-complex issues like mail and wire fraud. The stakes in these types of cases are often high, and clients depend upon Derek’s expertise to guide them through the legal process. “This area includes anyone who may have embezzled funds or has committed any type of fraud that includes money,” he explains. 

And, when these cases involve the use of the internet or wire transfers, they often have to be tried in a federal court, so you need an attorney who has the ability to do just that. His experience in these cases ensures that his clients receive knowledgeable support, whether their cases are settled out of court or go to trial. 

The Usman Law Firm charges clients by the hour, although in some cases, such as those going to court, he works on a contingency basis. This flexibility allows him to serve a wide range of clients, from individuals and small businesses to larger entities with significant legal needs. 

One of the distinguishing features of the firm is the personalized service Derek offers. 

“When you go to one of the ‘large’ law firms, you are never sure who will be working for you,” he explains. “If you ask for one of the partners, you should be ready to pay a very high hourly rate. However, with me, you get the one person who has all the experience.” 

At the larger firms, he adds, cases are often handed off to junior associates or teams. For Derek, being the primary point of contact means he can ensure each case receives the same high standard of dedication and expertise. 

“We were looking for great representation for our business and personal legal advice and I cannot express how much of a headache we had until we met Derek Usman. No other attorneys would call back or have time to listen and assist with our business needs. As our business attorney, Derek has been excellent, and I certainly recommend him to anyone. He knows exactly what our needs are, is very professional, intelligent and provides the best advice. Derek is very detailed and pays very good attention to our needs. My experiences with Usman Law have been and will continue to be stupendous through and through.” — Jose Ferrer, CEO, Mor-Stor Medical 

Although he operates a solo practice, Derek notes that he doesn’t work in isolation. He participates in bar associations and networks that allow him to connect with other attorneys and brainstorm when needed. 

Commitment to Community Service 

Outside of his legal work, Derek is deeply involved in community outreach. He is active with the Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hyde Park and participates in the Rotary Club of Tampa. Through these organizations, Derek has engaged in a variety of service projects. “I have participated most recently in the Food Pantry,” he shares, highlighting his desire to make a difference both inside and outside the courtroom. 

For more info about Derek Usman and the Usman Law Firm call (813) 377-1197. You also can visit UsmanFirm.com or email derek@usmanfirm.com. His offices are located at 20701 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 207, and 505 E. Jackson St., Ste. 305, in downtown Tampa. 

Check out “Avalon Aglow” at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel!

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way) is hosting its annual “Avalon Aglow” celebration, with FREE, fun family-friendly activities all afternoon & evening, including a “Bounce Park,” food trucks, vendors, a “real” snow slide, community performances, pictures with Santa and fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. Note – You do NOT have to be an Avalon Park resident to attend this FREE event! 

For more information, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or call (813) 783-1515. 

Noire Nail Bar Offers Luxury Nail, Eyelash & Waxing Services Near The Outlets 

Co-owner John Nguyen (on the phone) invites the residents of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa to visit Noire Nail Bar, located across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

With its premier location on S.R. 56 across the street from Tampa Premium Outlets and its owners’ commitment to customer satisfaction, Noire Nail Bar has been a go-to destination for nails and skin care since it first opened in 2018. 

Owners John and Vanessa Nguyen say the location, next to Mellow Mushroom, makes it the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening of relaxation, pampering and enjoying all of the amenities nearby. John says there are several more restaurants that will soon open in the area, making the location even more attractive. 

Noire Nail Bar offers manicures and pedicures, spa treatments, waxing and eyelash extensions. 

“The most important thing to us is to have the best customer service,” John says. “We keep the salon clean, constantly update our nail polish collection with new colors and keep up with what’s trending in nail design.” 

In fact, he says, any nail design you can find or think of, the technicians at Noire Nail Bar can create for you. Just check out the salon’s Instagram page at @noirenailbar_wesleychapel to see some of the many unique and intricate designs they have done for their clients. 

Whether you’re looking for the trendiest nail shape and design, or a more traditional or professional look, the happy nail technicians at Noire Nail Bar are always willing to accommodate you. 

John says many clients now prefer a fairly new service called Gel-X. 

While gel polish goes over a person’s nails, Gel-X is an alternative to acrylics that extends the length of the nails. 

“It’s a healthy product,” John explains. “When you wear it, you feel like it’s lighter for your nails and more comfortable. It doesn’t get heavy like acrylic nails.” 

And, he says, its much healthier for your nails than other options, since it’s not likely to cause nail damage or skin irritations. 

However, Gel-X is far from the only option at Noire. For those who prefer dipping powder, gel, or even acrylic, Noire Nail Bar offers all of those options. 

In addition, Noire also now carries magnetic nail polish (photo above), which gives nails a fun, textured effect by using metallic particles that can be activated and moved into unique designs by using a magnet. You really have to see it to understand how magnetic polish works. 

Nails & Packages For Every Occasion 

John says that Noire Nail Bar also is perfect for any special occasion, such as a wedding, prom, holiday party, or other event. Noire’s nail techs can create nails and designs that will stand out and give just the “vibe” you want. 

If you’re coming in with friends or family, the salon is designed with pedicure chairs in small groups to facilitate better conversations, rather than your group being spread out in one long line. This provides privacy and intimacy for those who want to enjoy the experience together. The salon also can host all kinds of parties, from weddings to bridal showers to birthdays. 

For children under 10 years old, the salon offers manicures, pedicures, nail polish and nail designs at special (reduced) prices. 

Noire Nail Bar recommends appointments to ensure a leisurely experience, especially on busy weekends, but walk-ins are always welcome. 

Men and women can take advantage of Noire Nail Bar’s packages that include Basic, Deluxe, or Signature spa treatments. For example, a “Sport Spa Pedicure” includes a callus treatment and sugar scrub to improve blood circulation, plus a massage to relieve muscle tension and tightness. 

Noire’s “Citrus Spa Treatment” is energizing, while the “Cucumber Treatment” is purifying and revitalizing, and “Milk & Honey” is for anti-aging. An “All-Organic Pedicure” includes nothing but certified-organic products, and the “Luxury Six-Step Collagen Pedicure” provides the ultimate in detoxification and anti-aging treatments to rejuvenate and moisturize your feet. Hot stone and hot candle wax massages can be added to any pedicure, as well. 

John also says that Noire guests are always treated to a relaxing experience in an upscale atmosphere. The salon is a quiet and calm place, where the technicians are focused on their customers, not on chatting with each other. The serene environment helps to enhance the experience of the spa treatments Noire Nail Bar provides. And, guests always are offered a complimentary glass of wine (for ages 21 & older, with proper ID), soda or water to enjoy during their treatments. 

Beverlee Bench, who posted a five-star Google review after she got a manicure with nail art and sculpted nails at Noire, says, “Customer service from start to finish was impeccable. Definitely will be back!” 

Noire Nail Bar now offers eyelash extensions, too, and also offers waxing of eyebrows, upper lip, legs, arms and Brazilian bikini waxing. 

“I love this nail salon with a passion!,” Jessie Maher says in her five-star Google review. “The staff is always amazing, kind and patient when I bring the kids with me.” 

She adds, “The reason I go back time and time again is because of the incredible service, as well as the sense of feeling welcomed, and knowing I will be taken care of and come out with flawless nails.” 

Readers of the Neighborhood News receive 10% off all services on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by bringing the ad below with you to the salon, or by mentioning the ad when you check in. 

Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd in Lutz, and is open Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun. To make an appointment, call (813) 536-0161. Visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel.com or follow @noirenailbar_wesleychapel on Instagram to see the salon’s huge array of possible nail designs. 

Chicken Guy! & Shake Shack Openings Delayed Again!

In the Dec 10 issue of New Tampa Neighborhood News (see below), we said that both Shake Shack and Chicken Guy! Were expected to open by one day this weekend, but as of today, both restaurants have told us that the expected openings of both fast casual eateries is now not expected until one day next week, with exact opening dates not yet set by either one until they receive their Certificates of Occupancy from Pasco County, pending final inspections.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page and the December 24 Wesley Chapel and January 7, 2025, New Tampa issues of Neighborhood News for updated opening dates for these hotly anticipated eateries.

Chicken Guy! & Shake Shack Both Expected To Open On Or Around December 13-14!

The long-awaited opening of the Tampa Bay area’s first-ever Chicken Guy location was scheduled at our press time on or around Saturday, December 14 (please check our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page regularly for a more precise opening date). Chicken Guy (top photo), founded by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and restaurateur Robert Earl, currently has a dozen locations, going up quickly to 18, including our “Cypress Creek” location at 25769 Sierra Center Blvd.

 The “Mayor of Flavortown” menu features hot and “O.G.” mild crispy (or grilled) chicken tenders (and “Big Bite” sandwiches), plus salads, fries, American slaw, mac & cheese and shakes (sound familiar?), although it does also sometimes feature “Limited Time” offers — such as pepperoni chicken parm sandwiches and chopped cheese & chicken egg rolls, fried chicken dumplings and more. The “Boss of Sauce” also offers everything from Nashville hot honey to avocado crema and many more sauces created by the Chicken Guy himself!

For more info, visit ChickenGuy.com.

Now with an expected opening on or around Friday, December 13, less than a 1/4-mile from Chicken Guy, is the Wesley Chapel/Lutz location of Shake Shack, in the former slot occupied by Wendy’s, at 25600 Sierra Center Blvd. (photo left). In addition to its variety of burgers — from black truffle to avocado bacon — as well as 100% Vienna¼ beef hot dogs, Shake Shack also offers (surprise!) crispy chicken sandwiches and bites, crinkle cut fries and shakes (including limited time shakes like Christmas Cookie and Apple Cider Donut), but with the added bonus of vanilla or chocolate frozen custard, which also can be included in your root beer or Creamsicle¼ float.

For more info, call (813) 696-6752 or visit ShakeShack.com. — GN

Tampa Palms Psychology’s Dr. Brian Wilson Helps Adults Manage Life’s Struggles 

Dr. Brian Wilson of Tampa Palms Psychology is happy to offer consultations inside his office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center (above) or virtually vis Telehealth (photo below). (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Because his Tampa Palms Psychology — the practice of Brian Wilson, Ph.D. — continues to grow, Dr. Wilson recently moved to the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Palms Blvd. just south and west of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit off I-75. 

The new office is just a half-mile from his previous workspace, where patients met with Dr. Wilson in a private room at a co-working office. He made the move to the new space in April. 

“It’s a very quiet, warm, upscale and relaxing environment, right on a lake,” Dr. Wilson says, adding that while he enjoyed his previous location and the opportunity it gave him to grow, it’s nice to have a more personal and permanent space. 

“I have my own dedicated office now,” he says. “I designed it myself. It’s a better space, with better furniture, and much homier.” 

He says he’s had his eye on the Tampa Palms Professional Center for many years, but when he opened his practice in 2021, the Covid pandemic made virtual or Telehealth sessions the norm, instead of in-person visits, so it didn’t make sense for him to have a full-time office at that time. 

Now, many people prefer to meet with Dr. Wilson in person, although he says about half of his patients still choose to meet virtually. “I let my patients decide,” he says. “Some providers are insisting on in-person and others on Telehealth, but I do whatever works for my patients.” 

He says he has some patients who are disabled or have other reasons why they can’t leave the house, so he’s happy to meet with them via private, secure videoconferencing. 

Dr. Wilson has been practicing since 2003 and now has two decades of experience. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville and earned both his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He also completed a psychology residency at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital. 

Whether you meet him in person or online, Dr. Wilson helps adults navigate life’s difficulties, especially when it comes to job stress, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, or any number of other issues. 

“I have the benefit of having worked in a variety of settings, so I feel comfortable taking on a lot of things,” he says. He considers himself to be a generalist who can address a wide variety of concerns with adults. He does not, however, counsel anyone under the age of 18. 

He commonly helps people who are experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and has years of experience helping military veterans. 

Dr. Wilson also is experienced in helping those who have serious or life-changing medical issues and are learning to cope with a new reality, as well as the mental health problems that develop as a result. 

Another area of expertise for Dr. Wilson is geriatrics — helping older adults. This could be people who are caring for a spouse who is ill, or those who are realizing that the transition into retirement is not what they thought it would be. 

His two decades of experience include primary care and community mental health, psychiatric patients in mental health facilities, residential and outpatient PTSD treatment, geriatric mental health and health psychology. Dr. Wilson is licensed to practice psychology in both Florida and Minnesota, and is a member of the American Psychological Association. 

He says the best approach for those who are beginning the search for a trusted therapist is still to get a recommendation from a friend or family member. “That’s probably the best referral you can get,” he says. 

But if you don’t have a word-of-mouth reference from someone you know, he says to do an online search, choose a few therapists, try to talk to a few of them and “go with your gut.” 

He says that, of course, you should always check with the Florida Department of Health to be sure the provider you want to work with is appropriately licensed and has no disciplinary actions or malpractice claims. 

This can be done by searching “Florida Department of Health License Lookup” online. 

“Beyond that, those of us [practitioners] who are thoughtful will always be happy to schedule a no-charge, no-commitment phone call to see if we’re a good fit,” he says. “Don’t schedule with someone without at least first having a conversation about their approach.” 

While Dr. Wilson says he is primarily a private pay provider, he does accept patients with original Medicare and will provide a receipt to anyone who needs to submit an out-of-network receipt to their insurance company. He says some insurance companies, but not all, will cover about 50 percent of the cost of treatment. 

Fellow professional therapist Dr. Brian Doane of Tampa Bay Counseling Services is quick to say that he thinks very highly of Dr. Wilson and doesn’t hesitate to recommend him — for example, if he has a patient whose spouse needs counseling, too. 

“If I’m working with someone and they say, ‘My spouse is looking for a therapist,’ he’s the first person I send them to,” Dr. Doane says, noting that it’s an important referral, since Dr. Doane will continue working with that person’s spouse and has a vested interest in both parties getting good help. 

“Dr. Wilson is super compassionate, very ethical, and all the things that you want in a therapist,” Dr. Doane says. “He also has a really nice balance between being very kind and compassionate, while also being assertively direct. He also knows the timing of when to be direct, providing honest feedback at a time when the person is able to receive it.” 

Tampa Palms Psychology is located at 5331 Primrose Lake Cir., Suite 245, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. For appointments with Dr. Brian Wilson and more information about the practice, call (813) 491- 9343 or visit TampaPalmsPsychology.com.Â