Derek is a seasoned attorney and Senior Associate in the Barnard Corporate and Commercial law practice, with a focus on private equity deals, negotiations, and mergers & acquisitions. He brings a wealth of experience in complex transactional work and is highly skilled in advising on aspects of corporate tax structures, corporate governance, B-BBEE equity transactions, company law, corporate tax law and competition law.

Since his admission in 2013, Derek has been heavily involved in drafting multiple-step transaction agreements for corporate restructures and mergers of private and public listed clients. His expertise and experience make him a valuable asset when handling major mergers and acquisitions, B-BBEE transactions, and corporate restructures. Additionally, Derek has advised on and handled a number of competition law applications involving aspects of merger control.

Derek's proficiency in handling complex transactional work and advising on various aspects of corporate law make him a trusted advisor to clients in various industries. He consistently delivers exceptional results and is committed to providing the highest quality of service to his clients.

Firm Profile

Barnard Incorporated is a leading and full-service commercial law firm based in Pretoria, South Africa. We provide a comprehensive range of legal services, including corporate and commercial law, property law, commercial litigation, mediation, insurance, wealth protection and family law. Voted the Most Innovative Law Firm in Africa by Law.com (ALA) in 2022, we constantly work to achieve the best results for our clients. On the international stage, Barnard Inc is the exclusive South African member of the International Commercial Law Alliance (ICLA) and our legal expertise is recognised by the leading global peer-review guide, Best Lawyers.

Our Service Imperatives
Guided by our Service Values, providing outstanding client service is the most important thing we do. Our team abides by a clear set of quality and service imperatives designed to maintain consistently high levels of service across all practice areas of our firm. These standards have been developed in consultation with our clients.

Protection of Client Interests
By gaining insight on our clients and their businesses, including their customers and competitors, as well as political, financial and market issues relevant to their industry - we make it our business to proactively protect and defend client interests.

Operational Scalability
Our structure and inter-departmental cooperation allow our operations to scale swiftly according to new instructions and larger projects and staffing requirements.

Shared Legal Collaboration
Understanding your requirements, objectives and operating environment is important to us - we listen and take time to do this. You have ready access to our deep sectoral expertise, as well as our local market understanding, to help you achieve your commercial objectives.

Constant Innovation
We invest heavily in technology that allows us to provide better service to our clients. In addition, our teams are constantly innovating new ways of meeting client needs and challenges. Relevant and creative service - and product development - is an imperative.