About Derek

Derek Simon sits as one of Burchells' managing partners, with a practice focused in the areas of Aboriginal, Commercial and Environmental Law.  He has worked with a wide range of clients across Atlantic Canada including Indigenous governments, individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and financial institutions.  Derek advises his clients on various legal issues such as:

• Consultation, Negotiations and Litigation related to major energy and resource projects, including environmental assessments and impact and benefit agreements;
• Treaty Implementation, Self-Government and Land Claim negotiations;
• Economic Development and Taxation; and
• Governance and Land Management.

He has represented his clients in the courts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador and in Federal Court on issues including Aboriginal rights, Charter rights, consultation and accommodation, and environmental protection.

Derek is a Past Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Aboriginal Law Section. Derek has written and presented on various topics, including Aboriginal law, taxation and economic development, renewable energy, and protected areas.

Derek studied business at Wilfrid Laurier University, law at the University of Victoria, and Indigenous law at Victoria University Wellington (New Zealand). He has Certificates in Negotiation from Osgoode Hall Law School and Indigenous Negotiation Skills Training from the Banff Centre.

Derek enjoys camping and the outdoors. Derek and his wife Cheryl live in Dartmouth.