Derek is a family lawyer who helps clients resolve disputes with clarity and practical direction. Based in Lindsay Kenney LLP’s Vancouver office, he brings a strategic mindset and a background in psychology to his work, allowing him to approach complex family matters with both insight and balance.
He completed his articles with Lindsay Kenney, gaining experience across a wide range of family law proceedings, and has appeared before both the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Provincial Court of British Columbia. Derek is known for his measured advocacy, strong analytical skills, and focus on achieving efficient, effective outcomes for his clients.
While completing his law degree, Derek served as a caseworker with Student Legal Services of Edmonton, representing clients in civil and family law matters before the Alberta Court of Justice. He and his teammate won the Alberta Court of Appeal Constitutional Moot Competition and earned top awards at the National Family Law Negotiation Competition.
Contact Derek’s Assistant, Li Ma, to book an initial consultation.
One hour consultations are offered at $325 plus tax.
Education
- Juris Doctor, University of Alberta, 2023
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of British Columbia, 2013
Memberships & Affiliations
- Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers
- Canadian Bar Association
Beyond the Office
Whether checking out the latest film release, hanging out on the beach with friends, or trying out a new restaurant, Derek spends his free time enjoying all that Vancouver has to offer.
“家和万事兴” —— 短短五个字，描画出多少人心中幸福的模样。
“家家有本难念的经” —— 同样耳熟能详，却也道出多少家庭的酸甜苦辣。
东西文化有别。当中西方文化差异凸显时，家长认定给孩子做的 “最好的安排”，法院会予以支持吗？家长给孩子婚前买的房子，某天孩子要离婚，这房子归谁？婚姻双方一个留在加拿大，另一个长期飞回国内工作，远距离的爱情若是无以为继，孩子由谁抚养？两边的家产如何分配？中国的法院如果有了判决书，直接搬到BC省是否即可执行？
以上这些问题，我在温哥华的华人家庭中时有耳闻。多年来，我听到的问题本身并无改变，而改变的是，以前的我听别人诉苦只能陪着感叹，而如今的我作为一个家庭法律师，可以提供基于法律的解决方案。
正式介绍一下。我叫 Derek，姓张，是 LK Law 的家庭法律师。我来自中国江苏，在国内读完高中，到 UBC 读本科，毕业后在温哥华和广州各工作了两三年，辗转又回到加拿大读法律。在接触法学之前，我的学习和工作经验都在心理学界。如今我选择从事家庭法事务，不仅因为我对 “人心” 二字怀揣着浓厚兴趣，更因为我多年来在华人移民家庭中，看到了一本又一本 “难念的经”。
在 LK Law 实习期间，我协助资深律师处理多宗家庭法案件，并在BC省高等法院与省级法院（BC Supreme Court and BC Provincial Court）积累了一定出庭经验。我也曾在埃德蒙顿学生法务中心（Student Legal Services of Edmonton），代理民事与家庭法案件，并多次出庭阿尔伯塔省法院（Alberta Court of Justice）。我还是个模拟法庭的积极参与者。在法学院就读期间，我代表学校参与过两次模法竞赛。2022年，我与搭档摘得阿尔伯塔上诉法院宪法组模法桂冠（Alberta Court of Appeal Moot – Constitutional Law）。2023年，我和搭档参与了加拿大家庭法谈判竞赛（National Family Law Negotiation Competition），代表学校与来自全国不同法学院的参赛团队进行了为期三天的谈判，最终赢得谈判组第三、书面材料第一的荣誉。
愿我能尽己所能，助您一臂之力。家事鲜为易事，但我们不畏难处，定能找到出路。
首次咨询请洽张律师助理：Li Ma
教育背景
- 阿尔伯塔大学法律博士（2023年）
- UBC英属哥伦比亚大学文学学士（荣誉学位，2013年）
会籍身份
- 加拿大亚裔律师联合会（Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers）
- 加拿大律师协会（Canadian Bar Association）
