Derek Schrapel
Lawyer & Mentor
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Science
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Criminology)
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Australian Legal Practitioner
At Leo Cussen
Derek is a full-time Mentor in our onsite Practical Legal Training course. He facilitates the foundation skills modules that establish a guiding framework for the tasks undertaken by trainees throughout the PLT course and provides support and mentorship for grads during their practice area – specific rotations.
Before Leo Cussen
Derek was admitted to the legal profession in Victoria in 2003. Following a period working with two general practice firms in the Melbourne metropolitan area, he completed postgraduate studies in criminology.
Derek has acquired extensive practice experience in criminal law and advocacy over the course of his career including specialised prosecution of sexual offence matters.
This has involved preparing, instructing and appearing in a wide variety of matters for both State Government and private firms in the summary, indictable and appellate criminal jurisdictions of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, County Court of Victoria, and the Victorian Court of Appeal.
He has also regularly prepared and appeared in matters in the Children’s Court of Victoria within its Criminal Division and Family Division for child clients, parents and other family members.
Memberships
Derek is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria.
Achievements/Special Interests
Derek is a qualified project manager who has spent a portion of his career in project management training and educational design.
He has also worked for a legal membership body designing and developing legal CPD courses for delivery to members of the Victorian legal profession.
