Doug is designated as a Specialist in Real Estate Law by the Law Society of Upper Canada. He is  elected Treasurer (2010-12) of the Ontario Bar Association which represents 17,000 lawyers on a wide variety of issues. He is the past-Secretary (2009-10) of the OBA.

In 2010 he was identified by Lexpert Magazine as "A lawyer to watch" amongst Leading Canada/US Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers.

In 2009 he was named one of Canada's Leading Lawyers Under 40 by Lexpert Magazine. The first non-metropolitan lawyer to receive the award.

In 2008, Doug was recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by the Simcoe County Law Association.  In 2006, he was named Business Leader of the Year by the Orillia Business Association.

In May 2007 Doug was appointed to Chair a panel to develop a vision for the Trent Severn Waterway, the largest federal asset in Ontario.  In addition to staying active with the Ontario Bar Association as Treasurer on the Provincial Executive, he has been a Professor for Laurentian University at Georgian College; taught for the Real Estate Bar Admission Course; and occasionally lectures when asked.

Doug obtained his Hons. B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University; M.A. specializing in Judicial Administration from Brock University; a Law Degree from Dalhousie University at Halifax; and a Master of Laws in Municipal and Development Law through Osgoode Hall Law School.

Doug is currently the host of 'Politically Speaking, Orillia' on Rogers TV. This is a current events show with interviews of federal, provincial, municipal and school board elected officials.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orillia and District.

He has served for six years as City Councillor with the City of Orillia and three years on the Board of Directors of Ontario Small Urban Municipalities.

He is Past-President of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce and Past-President of the Kiwanis Club of Orillia.