David N. Kay

After qualifying and practicing at the Bar in England, Mr. Kay moved to the Middle East and spent a total of six years (although not consecutive) practicing law in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi where he was the managing partner of the Abu Dhabi office of a London-based international law firm. He then moved to Chicago to work for a law firm while at the same time studying for his J.D. law degree. He qualified in Illinois and joined the firm of Gardner, Carton & Douglas (which is now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP) where he remained for 32 years.

Over his career at Faegre Drinker he held the position of Corporate Department Chair, Chair of the Operating Committee, Member of the Management Committee, International Department Chair and most recently Co-Chair of the International Team. His years spent in the management of the law firm provided him with a detailed understanding of the operations of the firm and enabled him to gain valuable insight into the challenges of running a business – a skill set that enables him to manage arbitration hearings and to interact well with fellow arbitrators and counsel representing the parties.