Derek is a senior lawyer with over 30 years’ experience specialising in business law, with a particular emphasis on franchising, retail and distribution and automotive.

Derek assists overseas master franchisors, franchisors, master franchisees and franchisees in all aspects of franchise law including due diligence and acting for parties in mergers and acquisitions, drafting code compliant franchise documentation, preparing trade practices compliance programs, issuing transaction documentation, and providing strategic advice on compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. This includes advice on contract law and specific issues such as complying with obligations under the Code.

Derek is considered one of the country’s leading franchising lawyers. He has been recognised by Best Lawyers Australia™, Who’s Who Legal and the Franchise Council of Australia’s Excellence in Franchising Awards.

He has served as long standing Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Franchise Council of Australia since 2010 as well as Chairman of the Queensland Law Society Franchising Committee. He is a longstanding member of the ACCC Franchising Consultative Committee.

Derek joined Keypoint in 2023 and is based in Brisbane.