Profile – Lawyer / Barrister / Solicitor

Derek B. Brett

Derek B. Brett, J.D. — Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Cross-border lawyer, law professor, legal commentator, and civic leader with more than three decades of sustained excellence across multiple jurisdictions in both Canada and the United States.

Derek B. Brett is a distinguished cross-border lawyer whose career spans more than three decades of practice. He has built an exceptional practice rooted in complex litigation, sophisticated commercial transactions, and cross-border legal counsel. His clients have spanned the globe, being based in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Asia. He holds the singular distinction of being the only actively-practicing lawyer simultaneously licensed and fully dual-qualified in the Province of Nova Scotia, the State of Florida, and the District of Columbia. His court admissions further extend to the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the D.C. Circuit, and several U.S. District Courts.

In 2012, having permanently relocated to the Halifax Regional Municipality, Brett has been licensed as a Lawyer, Barrister and Solicitor in Nova Scotia since 2014, where he concentrates his practice on cross-border and domestic business and tax law. His practice encompasses commercial and tax litigation, white-collar criminal defence, corporate transactional practice, real estate litigation, Internet and cyberlaw, estate planning, and appellate advocacy. He is also a recipient of certifications in mediation and negotiation from Harvard Law School. His proven success in confronting some of the largest and most prominent law firms in both the courtroom and at the negotiating table has established his reputation as a tenacious and principled advocate for his clients’ interests.

Education

The Florida State University, College of Law — Juris Doctor with Honors, 1996 (Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society)
University of Central Florida — Bachelor of Arts with Highest Honors (Summa Cum Laude), Political Science / Pre-Law, 1993

Jurisdictional Admissions

Province of Nova Scotia (2014)
State of Florida (1996)
District of Columbia (2000)
Supreme Court of the United States (2004)
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (2004)
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (2004)
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida (2004)
U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (2010)

Areas of Practice

Appellate Practice
Civil Litigation
Commercial & White-Collar Litigation
Commercial Transactions & Corporate Law
Cross-Border Law (Canada–United States)
Internet Law & Cyberlaw
Real Estate Litigation
Tax Law
Complex Criminal Defence
Mediation and Arbitration

Academic Distinction

Brett served for a decade as Professor of Constitutional Law and International Law at the University of Central Florida (2003–2013), where he was recognized with the Political Science Professor of the Year award in 2006.

Upon relocation to Canada, he served as Adjunct Professor of Commercial Law at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax (2015–2018) and as Auxiliary Professor at the Nova Scotia Community College (2014–2015). His scholarly work includes a comprehensive web-based Commercial Law course with video tutorials, and extensive engagement as a featured speaker at law schools, bar associations, and professional organizations across Canada and the United States.

National & International Media Profile

Brett’s legal acumen and authoritative commentary have earned him a prominent media profile. He has appeared as a featured legal analyst and commentator on major national and international television and radio networks, including CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, FOX News Network’s The O’Reilly Factor, CNBC’s Squawk Box, Headline News Network’s Dr. Drew On-Call and Ashley Velez-Mitchell, Voice of America, National Public Radio, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Main Street, and regional radio shows in Atlantic Canada. His expert commentary has been sought on matters ranging from commercial law to constitutional law and civil rights, to high-profile criminal cases and First Amendment issues.

Brett’s analysis and commentary have been featured in leading print publications, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, U.S.A. Today, Mother Jones, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, the Hartford Courant, the Baltimore Sun, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and London’s Daily Mail, among others. He has also authored opinion editorials, and contributed to legal scholarship published in The New Statesman and the Brooklyn Journal of Law & Policy.

In Nova Scotia, Brett served as host of “Legally Speaking,” a weekly radio show on community radio dedicated to developments in law and the education of citizens regarding legal issues and causes (2019).

Awards & Recognition

Client Distinction Award — Lawyer.com (2015)
Florida Legal Elite – Best Lawyers in Florida — Florida Trends Magazine (2010)
Best Up & Coming Lawyers — Florida Trends Magazine (2007)
Attorney of the Year — Florida Democratic Black Caucus (2009, 2010)
Attorney of the Year — Florida Democratic Caribbean Caucus (2010)
“Amigo” / Attorney of the Year — Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus (2010)
Attorney of the Year — Central Florida Police Benevolent Association (2007)
Political Science Professor of the Year — University of Central Florida (2006)
Grassroots Activist of the Year — Paul Wellstone Award (2004)
Public Interest Fellowship Award — Florida Bar Foundation (1993–1995)
Top Attorney Rating (10/10); Client’s Choice Award; Top Contributor — Avvo.com (2012–2014)
Recognized Member — International Advisory Experts

Political & Public Service

Brett served as Lead Regional Legal Counsel for the Obama-Biden Presidential Campaigns in 2008 and 2012, and as Lead Orange County Legal Counsel for the Kerry-Edwards Presidential Campaign in 2004, coordinating and leading hundreds of lawyers to protect electoral integrity and voters’ rights.

Following relocation to Canada, he has served as Treasurer for a federal political riding association, Official Agent and Treasurer for the Geoff Regan Campaign, and Official Agent for former Premier Iain Rankin. He previously served as Chair of Central Florida’s Legal Panel for the ACLU (2009–2012) and as Regional Legal Counsel for the Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence (2004–2006).

Community Leadership

Chair, Greater Burnside Business Association (2015–2017)
Former Chair, American Chamber of Commerce in Canada, Atlantic Chapter (2023–2025)
Legal Counsel, AmCham Canada Atlantic (2014–2023)
Member, Economic Ecosystem Task Force, Greater Halifax Partnership (2014–2017)
General Counsel, Atlantic Jewish Council (2014–2025)
ShelterBox Committee Chair, Harbourside Halifax Rotary Club (2013–2016)
Fundraising Committee Member, Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (2013–2015)
Member, 100 Men of Halifax Who Give a Damn (2014–2020)
Associate Member, CFB Halifax Officers’ Mess (2013–Present)
Corporate Sponsor, Neptune Theatre (2022–Present)
Playwrights’ Circle, Stratford Shakespeare Festival (2022–Present)

Professional Memberships

Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
Canadian Bar Association of Nova Scotia (Former Chair, Access & Privacy Law Section)
The Florida Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar
ADR Atlantic Institute (2017–Present)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2003–2011)
First Amendment Lawyers Association (2005–2010)
National Employment Lawyers’ Association
George C. Young, Central Florida Inns of Court (2003–2013)
American Constitution Society (2004–2013)

Lawyer/Barrister & Solicitor Derek Brett possesses the following, extensive professional and academic credentials, inclusive of his professional admissions and memberships; awards/acknowledgments of merit; publications; press appearances/coverage; and involvement in community-based activities:

Admitted:

State of Florida (1996)
District of Columbia (2000)
Nova Scotia (2014)
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida (2004)
United States District Court, Northern District of Florida (2004)
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (2004)
United States Supreme Court (2004)
Court of Appeals, District of Columbia (2010)
United States District Court, District of Columbia (2010)

Law School: The Florida State University College of Law, Juris Doctor with Honors (1996)

University: University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Arts (Political Science/Pre-Law) with Highest Honors (1993)

Professional Memberships: Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society; Canadian Bar Association; The Florida Bar Association; District of Columbia Bar; George C. Young, Central Florida Inns of Court (2003-2013); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2003-2011); Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2003-2013); Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2003-2013); First Amendment Lawyers Association (2005-2010); National Employment Lawyers’ Association (1999-2002, 2010-2012).

Additional, Noteworthy Affiliations:

Saint Mary’s University (Adjunct Professor, College of Business) (2015-Present); Nova Scotia Community College (Adjunct Professor, College of Business) (2014-2015); University of Central Florida (Professor of Constitutional Law & International Law) (2003-2013); Obama-Biden Presidential Campaign (Lead Regional Legal Counsel) (2008, 2012); Kerry-Edwards Presidential Campaign (Lead Orange County Legal Counsel); Florida Democratic Lawyers’ Council (Lead Regional Legal Counsel) (2004-2013); Florida Democratic Party (Cooperating Counsel) (2004-2012); American Constitution Society (2004-2013); American Civil Liberties Union (Chair, Regional Legal Panel) (2009-2012) ; Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence (Regional Legal Counsel) (2004-2006); Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Observership Program (2013)

Court Admissions: Province of Nova Scotia; State of Florida; District of Columbia Bar; United States Supreme Court; Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; Court of Appeals, District of Columbia; United States District Court, Middle District of Florida; United States District Court, Northern District of Florida; United States District Court, District of Columbia.

Community Involvement:

Chair, Greater Burnside Business Association, 2016-Present
Chair, Canadian Bar Association, Privacy & Access Law Subcommittee, 2016-Present
Legal Counsel, American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (Atlantic Chapter), 2014-Present
Member, Economic Ecosystem Task Force, Greater Halifax Partnership, 2014-Present
Associate Member, Canadian Pension & Benefits Institution, 2014-Present
Executive Board Secretary, Condominium Corporation, 2014-Present
ShelterBox Committee Chair, Harbourside Halifax Rotary Club, 2013-2016
Fundraising Committee Member, Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, 2013-Present
General Counsel, Atlantic Jewish Council, 2014-Present.
Associate Member, CFB Halifax Officers’ Mess, 2013-Present
Member, Halifax Robert Burns Club, 2014-Present
Member, 100 Men of Halifax Who Give a Damn, 2014-Present
Member, Shaar Shalom Synagogue, 2012-2015
Chair, Orange County, Florida, Educational Facilities Board, 2006-2013
Sponsor, Health Care Center for the Homeless, 2009-2012
Southeast Regional Board of Directors, American Jewish Congress, 2004-2010
Board of Trustees (Secretary), Congregation of Reform Judaism, 2007-2009
Member, City of Orlando’s Affordable Housing Board, 2005-2007

Awards:

Florida Trends Magazine’s Florida’s “Florida Legal Elite – Best Lawyers in Florida” (2010)
Florida Democratic Black Caucus, Attorney of the Year (2009, 2010)
Florida Democratic Caribbean Caucus, Attorney of the Year (2010)
Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus, “Amigo”/Attorney of the Year (2010)
Florida Trends Magazine’s Florida’s “Best Up & Coming Lawyers” (2007)
Central Florida Police Benevolence Association’s Attorney of the Year (2007)
University of Central Florida Political Science Professor of the Year (2006)
Paul Wellstone Grassroots Activist of the Year (2004)
Phi Delta Phi Honor Society (1996)
Florida Bar Foundation Public Interest Fellowship Award, Service at Volunteer Lawyers’ Resource Center (Capital Post-Conviction Representation) (1993-1995)

Selective Speaking Engagements:

“The State of Gambling Regulations & Restrictions,” West Legal Education Center (2013)
“Internet Sales Tax: The Debate Continues,” West Legal Education Center (2012, 2013)
“The Constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance’s ‘Under God’ Language,” FAMU Law Debate Series (2012)
“Police and Firefighter Labour Rights,” University of Central Florida (2012)
“Religion in the Public Sphere,” Central Florida Jewish Community Lecture Series (2012)
“The First Amendment & the Rights of Political Protestors,” University of Tampa Lecture Series (2012)
“The Constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act,” Federalist Society Debate Series (2011)
“The State of the Establishment Clause and the Lemon Test,” Florida A&M University College of Law (2011)
“Free Speech and Political Rights,” Florida A&M University College of Law (2011)
“The Internet, Free Speech & Privacy,” ACLU of Florida Lecture Series (2010)
“Ethical Practices During Closing Arguments,” Central Florida Inns of Court Practice Series (2010)
“Civil Rights for Citizens with Special Needs,” Beacon College Lecture Series (2010)
“Where Do We Go From Here: Law in the Instant Media Age,” Barry Law School Continuing Legal Education Course (2010)
“Due Process and the Civil Rights of Guantanamo Detainees,” ACLU of Florida Lecture Series (2009)
“Affirmative Action & the Grutter/Gratz Opinions,” Federalist Society Debate Series (2006)
“Constitutional Legitimacy of the Kelo/Takings Case,” Federalist Society Debate Series (2005)
“Constitutional Debate on the Questionable Legitimacy of Bush v. Gore,” Federalist Society Debate Series (2004)
“Internet Law Update,” First Amendment Lawyers Association (2005-2009)
“Voting Rights & Election Protection,” Florida Democratic Lawyers’ Association (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012)

Press:

Commentator and Panelist on Local and National News and Talk Shows

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (“CBC”) “Main Street” (Commentary on Free Speech Issues)
Headline News Network’s “Dr. Drew On-Call” (Commentary on George Zimmerman Trial)
National Public Radio’s “Intersection” (Debating constitutionality of state constitutional initiatives impacting church/state issues and involving school voucher programs).
CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360” (Commentary on Trayvon Martin murder and George Zimmerman defense).
Headline News Network’s “Ashley Velez-Mitchell” (Commentary on the Trayvon Martin murder and George Zimmerman defense).
FOX News Network’s “O’Reilly Factor” (Debating U.S. Congressman Mark Foley on constitutional implications of federal sex offender legislation).
FOX News Network’s “The Big Story” (Discussing and analyzing First Amendment issues and proposed federal regulations on sexual offenders).
CNBC’s “Squawk Box” (Discussing and analyzing potential ramifications of prohibitions on Internet gaming).
Voice of America (Discussing Three-Dimensional Demonstrative Exhibits in the Courtroom).
Nationally-Syndicated Radio Show, “The Mike Malloy Show” (Discussing pending election challenge litigation).
Nationally-Syndicated Radio Show, “The Stephanie Miller Show” (Discussing and analyzing federal tort claims law).
Local CBS-Affiliate Panelist, “Flashpoint” (Debating implications of Iraq War and torture; debating Bush Administration environmental policies, and civil rights record).
Featured Guest Commentator, 1030 AM Radio (Orlando) (Discussing and analyzing taxpayer rights and due process; dangers of computer hackers; and dangers of online child pornography.
Featured Political Analyst, WESH-Channel 2 (Orlando) (Providing impartial political analysis on the results of the 2010 Midterm Elections, as well as subsequent political developments).
Regularly-Featured Commentator on Local & Regional Political Matters, Elections Law Issues, and Labour-Employment/Whistleblower Issues, WFTV-Channel 9 (Orlando) and WOFL-Channel 35 (Orlando).

Newspaper Commentary: New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, U.S.A. Today, Mother Jones, Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel,Orlando Weekly, Hartford Courant, Baltimore Sun, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Philadelphia City Paper, London’s Daily Mail. Featured opinion editorials appeared regularly in Central Florida’s The Heritage.

Additional, Selective Press Commentary:

“Obscenity Trial?: The Use of Google Trends as Demonstrative of Community Standards” – The New Statesman (2008) (Ghostwriter)
“A War Over Words: An Inside Analysis & Examination of the Prosecution of the Red Rose Stories & Obscenity Law” – Brooklyn Journal of Law & Policy (2008) (Acknowledgment as Author of Federal Challenge Dismiss Prosecution Based Upon Written Word)
Op-Ed: “If You Think Twice, It’s Not Alright” – The Heritage Newspaper (2008)
Op-Ed: “So You Say You Want a Revolution?” – The Heritage Newspaper (2007)
Op-Ed: “What’s Going On: Civility in Legal Practice” – The Heritage Newspaper (2007)
“Internet Law Update” – First Amendment Lawyers Association (2005-2009)