Derek Friend

Derek Friend began his legal career in 1991 with J. Robert MacKinnon, who was appointed as a Judge in 1992. Derek continued both his own legal practice and the practice of J. Robert MacKinnon and established his own law firm in 1998. Derek has a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) from the University of Winnipeg, a Master of Arts degree from York University, a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. In addition to attending continuing legal education seminars and making public presentations on a wide range of legal topics, he is a trained Mediator and he is also trained in the area of Collaborative Family Law.

Derek is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Advocates Society, the Simcoe County Alternative Dispute Resolution Association, the Simcoe County Family Law Lawyers’ Association, and Collaborative Practice Simcoe County. He is a director of the Cognashene Cottagers Association and is third vice president of the Simcoe County Law Association. Derek is an active boater and is a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary (Search and Rescue) in Penetanguishene. He has been a Director and President of Community Living Huronia, a Director of the Penetanguishene Chamber of Commerce, President of the Community Living Huronia Foundation and other local committees. He has also coached local sports teams.

Derek is married with two sons, has family in the Midland and Penetanguishene areas, and resides in Perkinsfield.