Empathetic and highly experienced in all areas of private client work, Derek specialises in supporting those who have lost a loved one.

Derek has dedicated his adult life to the legal profession and placed a focus on supporting families and individuals with private client matters. This focus arises from a deep-seated care for those he works with and the knowledge that, whether during life, or after death, proactive legal advice delivered well can make a very real difference to all concerned.

While he has extensive experience in Will, Trust and tax planning matters, Derek primarily focuses on the legal issues arising from bereavement – probate and estate administration.

Advice across generations

Derek is also a full member of the Society for Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP), the global professional body for those who help families plan for their futures. This recognises the deep expertise that sets him apart in matters of inheritance and succession planning. In addition to legal expertise, this prestigious accreditation recognises professionals who have the integrity, knowledge and connections to best support clients who are planning ahead.

Industry leading expertise

Berwins’ Life team has a long-standing record of recognition in industry guides Chambers and Partners and Legal500. Those directories, which are built on the feedback given to independent researchers by clients and contacts, have long been held as the benchmark of excellence in the legal profession.

The latest edition of Chambers and Partners highlighted the team’s work with high-net-worth clients on matters relating to estate planning and tax, while Legal500 celebrated the team’s work in estate planning and inheritance tax issues.

Derek was admitted as a solicitor in 2008.