David Kay Appointed World Law Group President for Two-Year Term

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP partner David N. Kay this weekend was elected president of the World Law Group, one of the premier law firm networks in the world.

The election, held during the organization’s fall conference, means Kay will lead the organization for two years as it continues its goals of strengthening relationships among member firms and providing unrivaled levels of value to clients.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead such a vibrant and committed organization,” said Kay, a member of the firm’s Corporate & Securities practice group in Chicago.  “As nearly any lawyer with an international practice will tell you, having the ability to work with individuals you trust and respect around the world makes it easier to provide your clients with high-quality international legal advice on the most complicated cross-border transactions.  We will continue to provide to our member firms the ability to do that.”

Kay, a barrister with chambers in London, advises U.S. companies and financial institutions on overseas operations and foreign entities on establishing operations in the United States.  He also sits as an arbitrator hearing international disputes and is a speaker and writer on the legal and commercial aspects of doing business in Europe and the Middle East.  He has practiced law in England, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he was the resident partner of the Abu Dhabi office of a London-based law firm.

Kay most recently served a two-year term as secretary of the organization.

Founded in 1988, the World Law Group has 50 member firms on six continents and offices in nearly every major and mid-sized commercial center in the world.  Member firms are carefully selected for their reputation, depth of commitment to international practice and ability to provide first-class service to other firms and clients in international transactions.

Kay is the second president to hail from the firm.  Fellow Chicago partner George C. McKann served as president from 2000 to 2002 and on an interim basis in 2003.