About Richard
Richard McDerby brings a steady, practical approach to the practice of law. He combines formal study in political science and law with experience across two legal systems. Colleagues describe him as methodical and clear-headed in court and at the negotiating table.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of New Brunswick, earning his degree in 1995. He continued his studies at Dalhousie University, where he received his Juris Doctor in 2000. Those formative years gave him grounding in legal doctrine and an understanding of the institutional forces that shape public policy.
After law school he took up practice that spans both Canadian and American jurisdictions. He is admitted to practice in British Columbia and in California. Over the years he has handled matters that require familiarity with rules and procedures on both sides of the border, often translating technical legal issues into clear options for clients.
He is a member of Osborn McDerby LLP, where he works with a team on matters that arise under the laws of British Columbia and California. At the firm he has been involved in case preparation, client counseling, and courtroom advocacy. He is known for preparing concise briefs and for managing litigation in a way that keeps clients informed about risks and timelines.
Peers note his ability to work across regulatory and commercial contexts. His background in political science informs his attention to statutory detail and to how administrative decisions are shaped. He frequently handles matters that require careful reading of statutes, procedural rules, and case law in two jurisdictions.
Outside of litigation, he spends time mentoring younger lawyers at his firm and contributing to internal practice discussions about cross-border procedure. He balances courtroom work with the steady demands of transactional review and regulatory compliance.
He lives and practices primarily between British Columbia and California, coordinating cases that involve clients in both regions. His current practice focuses on legal work that spans British Columbia and California at Osborn McDerby LLP.
