Derek was born in Germany and raised near Edmonton, AB. He completed his: Bachelor of Arts in 1996 from the University of Alberta; Bachelor of Laws in 1999 from the University of New Brunswick; served as managing partner of SGB Law LLP from 2012-2014; and received his KC designation in 2014 for service to the legal profession. He was named Regional Managing Partner of Northern Alberta in 2022.
Derek has practiced law in Grande Prairie since 1999 and his practice now focuses on Real Estate, Business Law, and Commercial transactions, as well as being the Regional Managing Partner for Grande Prairie since 2021. He has appeared before the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Federal Court of Appeal. Derek’s passion is service to the community. For over 20 years, Derek has sat on multiple Not-for-Profit Boards as a director. He was also instrumental in setting up the Pro Bono Grande Prairie Legal Guidance Clinic.
Away from law, Derek enjoys sports (particularly coaching and playing soccer), reading, and travelling.