Derek is a Senior Associate part of the Federal Practice. He specializes in delivering for clients across various sectors, including First Nations advocacy and clean technology clients.  

Some highlights of his accomplishments include helping an industrial bioeconomy company carve out a pathway for funding and assisting a First Nation navigate the passage of self-governance agreements through the Senate and House of Commons.  

Prior to Sussex, Derek spent over ten years as a political staffer advising numerous elected officials and managing or assisting dozens of municipal, provincial, and federal campaigns.  In Ontario, he worked as an Executive Assistant to an MPP, served as a regional advisor, and senior operations advisor at the Premier’s office in Ontario. As a director at the Liberal Party of Canada, he coordinated candidate recruitment, worked with party members across the country, and played a senior role in the lead-up to two national elections. Derek proved to be adept and discreet in these roles at managing highly sensitive files and navigating political issues across different sectors.

Derek holds a BA and MA in History from Trent University, where he wrote a political biography of a US Senator.  

Outside of work, Derek enjoys jogging, playing golf, watching thoroughbred horse racing, and spoiling his two Bloodhound dogs.