Derek Jonson practices commercial litigation. His practice includes contractual matters of all description, insurance matters, commercial tenancies, professional negligence, and builders liens.
Derek has a particular interest in construction and engineering disputes. He has been involved in major litigation in that field, on behalf of owners and contractors. Derek also acts for clients involved in property insurance disputes and has notably represented claimants in large fire losses throughout British Columbia in their actions against insurers and insurance brokers.
Derek has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (University of Manitoba, where he was the gold medalist as top graduate in his class) and a Bachelor of Laws degree (University of British Columbia). Following law school Derek clerked with the British Columbia Court of Appeal, and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1995. He began his legal career with one of the leading large Vancouver law firms practicing construction litigation before joining Ramsay Lampman Rhodes in 1998.
Before starting his legal career, Derek served as a naval officer – specifically, a marine systems engineer – with the Canadian Forces. During his time in the navy, Derek garnered broad operating knowledge of mechanical systems, including diesel and steam power plants, gas turbines, transmissions, refrigeration systems, hydraulic and compressed air systems, control systems, and hull systems, as well as experience with electrical power generation and distribution.
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, University of British Columbia, 1993
- B.Sc. (Mech. Eng.), University of Manitoba, Gold medalist
Year of Call + Jurisdiction
- 1995, British Columbia