William Deverell, Canadian lawyer, author, and activist

William Herbert Deverell, born on March 4, 1937, stands as a towering figure in Canadian literature and law, celebrated as one of the nation's most distinguished novelists, a dedicated activist, and an accomplished criminal lawyer. His multifaceted career, deeply rooted in a passion for justice and a knack for captivating storytelling, has earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades across various fields.

Before becoming the literary giant he is today, William Herbert Deverell honed his investigative and narrative skills in the demanding world of journalism. He began his professional journey with the Canadian Press in Montreal and later contributed to the Vancouver Sun. While pursuing his legal education at the University of Saskatchewan, he even served as the night editor for the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, showcasing an early dedication to rigorous inquiry and precise communication that would later define his literary style. He earned a D. Juris from the University of Saskatchewan, an institution that would later invite him back as a lecturer in the prestigious Shumiatcher series on Law and Literature, and where he was honored as one of its 100 alumni of influence during its College of Arts and Science's centenary in 2009.

A Master Storyteller: The Prolific Novelist

William Herbert Deverell first burst onto the literary scene with his gripping debut novel, Needles. Drawing directly from his firsthand experiences as a criminal lawyer, this powerful work resonated deeply with readers and critics alike, earning him the prestigious McClelland & Stewart $50,000 Seal Award – a significant early indicator of his immense talent. His reputation for literary excellence in crime writing was further solidified in 1997 when he received the Dashiell Hammett Prize for Trial of Passion, a high honour celebrating the best in North American crime fiction. This same novel also captured the 1998 Arthur Ellis Award for best Canadian crime novel, an accolade he would win again in 2003 for April Fool, cementing his place at the forefront of the genre in Canada.

Trial of Passion was more than just an award-winner; it launched Deverell's highly acclaimed crime series featuring the unforgettable character of Arthur Beauchamp, QC. Beauchamp, a classically trained but self-doubting lawyer, navigates complex legal and moral landscapes, captivating readers with his intricate cases and personal struggles. The series continued to flourish with subsequent titles including April Fool, Kill All the Judges, Snow Job, and I'll See You in My Dreams, each adding layers to the character and expanding the series' reach.

Deverell's extensive bibliography boasts sixteen published novels, demonstrating his remarkable versatility and enduring creative output. Beyond the Arthur Beauchamp series, his works include compelling titles such as High Crimes, Mecca, The Dance of Shiva, Platinum Blue, Mindfield, Kill All the Lawyers, Street Legal, Slander, The Laughing Falcon, and Mind Games. His keen eye for detail and legal acumen also led him to author the true crime book A Life on Trial – the Case of Robert Frisbee, a meticulously researched account based on a notorious murder trial he personally defended.

A hallmark of Deverell's unique style is his masterful infusion of satire into his novels. This sharp wit and critical insight have garnered him further recognition, with both Kill All the Judges and Snow Job being shortlisted for Canada's esteemed Stephen Leacock Award for humour. In 2009, his political satire, Snow Job, was distinguished by The Globe and Mail as one of the top crime books worldwide, highlighting its international appeal and critical acclaim. His profound impact on Canadian crime writing has also been acknowledged through invitations as a guest of honour at Bloody Words, Canada's premier crime writer's venue, and with the Best Canadian Crime Writer award at the Scene of the Crime Festival in Ontario.

Beyond the Page: Screenwriting and Broadcast Contributions

William Herbert Deverell’s narrative talents extend beyond the written word into the dynamic realms of film and television. He penned the screenplay for the feature film adaptation of his own novel, Mindfield, which was released in 1990, bringing his intricate storytelling to the big screen. Furthermore, his screenplay Shellgame served as the pivotal pilot for CBC Television's iconic legal drama, Street Legal, a show that became a cultural touchstone in Canadian broadcasting, showcasing his ability to craft compelling legal narratives for a wider audience. He also authored several one-hour radio plays that were broadcast by CBC Radio as part of their popular Scales of Justice series, along with numerous other film and television scripts, demonstrating his versatility across various media.

A Champion of Justice: The Distinguished Criminal Lawyer and Activist

For over two decades, William Herbert Deverell was a formidable presence in Vancouver's legal landscape, where he served as counsel in more than a thousand trials. His extensive experience spanned a wide array of cases, including pivotal civil rights and labour disputes, and a remarkable thirty murder trials, where he acted as either defender or prosecutor. This profound dedication to justice led him to become a founder and remains an honorary director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, an organization dedicated to safeguarding fundamental freedoms and rights for all Canadians. His commitment to public service and environmental advocacy is further exemplified by his memberships in organizations like Greenpeace, Ecojustice Canada, and the Green Party of Canada, underscoring his lifelong activism.

Academic and Literary Leadership

Deverell's influence also extends into academia and literary governance. From 1991 to 1992, he shared his invaluable insights and expertise as a visiting professor in the Creative Writing Department at the University of Victoria. He has also delivered numerous learned lectures, including "Obscenity, Hate, and Artistic Freedom" at the Vancouver Institute and a presentation on "A Writer's Life" in the Writers' Trust of Canada Margaret Laurence series, offering deep reflections on literature, law, and society. His commitment to the writing community is evident through his leadership roles: he twice served as chair of the Writers' Union of Canada, in 1994 and again in 1999, and has since been deservedly named a Life Member of that esteemed Union. He also holds a life membership with the Writers Guild of Canada and is an active member of PEN International and the Crime Writers of Canada, reinforcing his profound and lasting impact on the literary world.

Life on the Islands

When not immersed in his legal or literary pursuits, William Herbert Deverell finds solace and inspiration in two distinct locales: Pender Island, British Columbia, known for its serene natural beauty, and Quepos, Costa Rica, offering a vibrant, tropical backdrop for his continued creative endeavours.

Frequently Asked Questions about William Herbert Deverell

Who is William Herbert Deverell?

William Herbert Deverell, born March 4, 1937, is a highly acclaimed Canadian novelist, dedicated activist, and distinguished criminal lawyer. He is widely recognized for his gripping crime novels, satirical works, and significant contributions to Canadian law and literature.

What is William Herbert Deverell famous for?

He is most famous for his best-selling crime novels, particularly the Arthur Beauchamp series, which includes titles like Trial of Passion and April Fool. He is also known for his legal career, his work in film and television (including the pilot for Street Legal), and his advocacy for civil liberties and environmental causes.

What are his most notable books?

Among his many celebrated works, Needles (his debut), Trial of Passion, April Fool, Kill All the Judges, and Snow Job are particularly notable. His true crime book, A Life on Trial – the Case of Robert Frisbee, also stands out.

Has William Herbert Deverell won any major awards?

Yes, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including the McClelland & Stewart $50,000 Seal Award for Needles, the Dashiell Hammett Prize for Trial of Passion, and two Arthur Ellis Awards for best Canadian crime novel (for Trial of Passion and April Fool). He has also been shortlisted for the Stephen Leacock Award for humour.

What other roles or work has William Herbert Deverell undertaken?

Beyond writing, he has had a distinguished career as a criminal lawyer, acting as counsel in over a thousand trials, including 30 murder trials. He is a founder of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, wrote screenplays for film (Mindfield) and television (Shellgame for Street Legal), and served as a visiting professor and chair of the Writers' Union of Canada.

Where does William Herbert Deverell currently live?

He divides his time between Pender Island, British Columbia, and Quepos, Costa Rica.