Leading franchise partner joins Keypoint’s Queensland office

Keypoint welcomes Derek Sutherland as a Consulting Principal, based in Queensland, specialising in business law with a particular emphasis on franchising, retail and distribution and automotive.

Derek assists overseas master franchisors and franchisors, as well as master franchisees and franchisees, in all aspects of franchise law, including due diligence and acting for parties in mergers and acquisitions, drafting franchising code compliant franchise documentation, preparing trade practice compliance programs, issuing transaction documentation and providing strategic advice on compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

Derek joins the firm with almost 30 years of experience, having built up a reputation as one of the country’s leading franchising lawyers. He has been recognised by Best Lawyers Australia™, Who’s Who Legal and the Franchise Council of Australia’s Excellence in Franchising Awards.

Derek was formerly a Partner of HWL Ebsworth and prior to that, Dibbs Barker.

He has served as long standing Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Franchise Council of Australia since 2010 as well as Chairman of the Queensland Law Society Franchising Committee. He is also a longstanding member of the ACCC Franchising Consultative Committee.

Commenting on Derek’s appointment, Keypoint CEO Warren Kalinko said:

“Derek’s well-regarded expertise in franchise law will be of immense value to our firm.” Warren continued to express, “…Our team continues to grow with partners who are pre-eminent in their respective fields. Derek’s joining further adds to the quality of our growing Queensland team, and we are delighted to welcome him to Keypoint.”

Speaking about his appointment, Derek stated:

“I am pleased to be joining such a vibrant and innovative firm.  I have watched them grow for some time and have former colleagues who work there. I truly look forward to growing my legal practice at Keypoint and I am so pleased to have the support and expertise of Keypoint to help me service clients.”