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DAVID KAVANAGH KC

David Kavanagh KC is an independent arbitrator and world-leading arbitration practitioner.

INDEPENDENT ARBITRATOR

David was head of the Global Disputes Group at Skadden Arps between 2009-2024 and is now taking appointments as an independent arbitrator. 

Recognition and Achievements

Under his leadership, Skadden was ranked every year as a leading Tier 1 practice for International Arbitration by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500. David was recently ranked by Chambers UK as a Tier 1 individual and was nominated to its Hall of Fame by The Legal 500. In 2021 following his success as lead advocate in several major trials, he was named International Arbitration MVP by Law360 and led the winning International Arbitration Team of the Year at the prestigious Legal Business Awards.

High-Profile Cases Across Diverse Sectors

David has acted on some of the World’s largest and most high-profile bet the company cases.  These include matters in a vast array of business sectors such as telecoms, airlines, space law, oil & gas, petrochemicals, nuclear power, mining, real estate, cryptocurrency, tax and banking/finance disputes. He has also acted in several major investment treaty disputes for both investors and states.

Global Expertise in Landmark Cases

David has enormous experience as lead counsel and arbitrator in arbitrations seated in London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Delhi, Stockholm and The Hague. He has extensive experience of Asian arbitration, particularly India related disputes, including landmark cases such as Devas v India, and Docomo v Tata.

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Strategic Solutions

David Kavanagh KC has for nearly three decades been helping parties to navigate complex international disputes, in jurisdictions all around the world. David brings a lifetime of wise counsel in providing strategic input to meet the needs of his many international clients.
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Mediation Solutions

As a mediator, David Kavanagh KC facilitates communication and negotiation between parties in dispute to help them reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Unlike in arbitration, he does not impose a decision, but guides parties towards a voluntary settlement. David Kavanagh KC acts exclusively as an arbitrator and mediator and does not provide legal representation.

David Kavanagh's wealth of experience and expertise shows in his ability to deliver solutions and results in challenging cases.

Chambers UK

David guided us through a very difficult matter with great elegance.

Commercial and Corporate Litigation client, UK

David Kavanagh KC has wide-ranging litigation experience. He handles significant shareholder disputes and other kinds of corporate litigation, including cases with complex multi-jurisdictional aspects.

Commercial and Corporate Litigation - London (Firms) Band 3

David Kavanagh KC has broad international capabilities, acting for clients across jurisdictions such as China and India in complex commercial disputes often governed by LCIA and ICC rules. He is particularly experienced in issues arising from the interplay of foreign legislation.

International Arbitration - UK-wide Band 1

info@davidkavanaghkc.com