Recognized as one of the leading practitioners of franchise law in Canada in the 2013 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Derwin heads up Morrison Brown Sosnovitch LLP’s Franchising & Licensing Group. A partner in the firm as well as a managing partner, he has worked with emerging and mature national and international franchisors for more than 20 years, providing guidance and legal advice on franchising, trade-marks, and commercial leasing issues. As a registered trade-mark agent, Derwin also helps clients with issues related to intellectual property.
Derwin believes that legal theory is one thing, but resolving issues through the practical and effective application of that theory is the real test of legal skill. To him it starts with really listening to clients and gaining a thorough understanding of how their business works. Derwin always looks at an issue from every conceivable angle – researching and investigating thoroughly – because he believes that anything less could be a set-up for possible failure. It’s this tenacity and problem-solving insight that ultimately leads to successful solutions.
Outside of the office Derwin enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and bass fishing. A devoted hockey-dad, he can frequently be found shuttling his son, a goalie, to one of the many ice rinks in the Greater Toronto Area.