Natalie Derbyshire

Guiding the Collaborative division at SFL firm is a role I embrace with pride. Since earning my certification as a collaborative practitioner in 2011 and embarking on my legal career a few years earlier in 2006, my focus has been on offering clients cost-effective dispute resolution alternatives. These include collaboration, mediation, and negotiation, steering clear of court battles whenever possible. My journey took a turn due to personal reasons, leading me away from litigation. However, my dedication to supporting my colleagues at SFL through mentorship and strategic insights remains unwavering. Additionally, my involvement with the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO) and York Collaborative Practice boards reflects my commitment to advancing our field. I also spearhead a Collaborative Study Group, fostering a space for professionals to exchange ideas, network, and refine our craft together.

My academic path took me to York University, where I pursued a double major in Sociology and Law & Society, graduating cum laude in 2002. This accomplishment placed me in the top 5% of my class. That autumn, I began my law studies at Osgoode Hall. It was during this time that a family member's difficult divorce process exposed me to the multifaceted impact of family law disputes, including custody, support, and property issues. This personal connection, coupled with my childhood experience of having a foster sister, naturally drew me towards specializing in Family Law. My aim has always been to enhance dispute resolution methods for my clients, providing them with the knowledge to make informed decisions that promote financial stability, peace, and happiness in the long term.

Divorce and separation not only affect individuals on an emotional and financial level but also have profound social implications. Nearly everyone knows someone who has experienced the upheaval of a divorce, an event that invariably leads to significant personal transformation. Having navigated my own divorce, I understand the depth of these implications and the importance of having a reliable support system and competent legal advice. Our identities are deeply intertwined with our relationships, particularly with our significant others. While we cannot control others' actions, we possess the ability to prioritize self-love, act with integrity, especially in matters involving children, and set a positive example.

My driving force is the desire to assist others, striving not only to meet but to surpass client expectations. I believe in enlightening clients on how their current actions can shape their future, aiming to streamline their day-to-day lives. Upon graduating from law school in 2005, I pledged, along with my peers, to advocate fervently on behalf of my clients—a commitment I hold dear. Assisting clients during their most vulnerable moments is not just my job but my privilege, much like supporting someone grieving a loved one. Although life as they know it may change irrevocably, my goal is to guide them through taking steps towards a fearless future, reminding them that every ending heralds a new start, and the narrative of their next chapter is theirs to write.