Derek is a very experienced family lawyer with over 35 years in practice. He has a particular focus on Child Law and is a recognised expert in International Child Abduction Law, and he is accredited by the Law Society as an Advanced Family Law Practitioner in this area of law.
Dealing with child abduction and relocation gives an international aspect to Derek’s work, and he works with clients from all over the world, including as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Several of his cases have been reported in the English Law Reports, including several cases in the Court of Appeal concerning the abduction of a child. Derek’s expertise in Child Law has made him the go-to lawyer in this area and
Alongside his specialism in Child Law, Derek advises on divorce and separation and the associated financial matters. He takes a pragmatic approach to these cases, recognising that families are not broken by separation and divorce; they simply change. Derek helps parents to manage that change. As a collaboratively trained lawyer, he works hard to find solutions without going through the stress and expense of a court process.
His past clients have included a former Chief of Defence Staff and a Minister of State of a previous UK Government.
Derek also has a wide understanding of the impact of domestic abuse and substance misuse on many aspects of family law. He is experienced in seeking protective measures where necessary to make sure vulnerable members of the family are kept safe.
As a musician and filmmaker, he has a working knowledge of the creative industries.
Derek is one of the most experienced members of the team at KJ Smith, and his vast knowledge helps us on many of our complex cases.
Q: Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?
A: I am a musician, writer, and film producer
Q: Who would be your dream dinner party guests?
A: Anyone from the original Ghostbusters film. Tom Waits.
We’re recognised by the Legal 500 as a Leading Firm in a number of practice areas. That means that an external, objective body has scrutinised our competency and client reviews, and found us to be one of the top family law practices in the UK.
Our lawyers are members of Resolution, so we are committed to a Code of Practice which promotes a constructive approach to family issues that considers the needs of the whole family.
