David Kavanagh KC

United Kingdom

David Kavanagh KC is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost independent international arbitrators, bringing nearly three decades of experience to high-value, multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Before establishing his full-time practice as an arbitrator and mediator, he served from 2009 to 2024 as Head of the Global Disputes Group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Under his leadership, the firm developed one of the world’s premier international arbitration practices, consistently earning Tier 1 rankings in Chambers UK and The Legal 500. His personal reputation for excellence is reflected in a series of prestigious accolades, including International Arbitration MVP by Law360, repeated Chambers UK Tier 1 individual rankings, and induction into The Legal 500 Hall of Fame.

Today, David focuses exclusively on his work as an arbitrator and mediator, offering parties the benefit of unparalleled insight into the resolution of complex international disputes. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has acted as counsel and arbitrator in some of the most significant commercial and investment treaty cases of the modern era—matters frequently described as “bet-the-company” disputes due to their scale, sophistication and global impact.

His experience spans a vast array of industries, including telecommunications, airlines, space law, oil and gas, petrochemicals, nuclear power, mining, real estate, cryptocurrency, tax, and banking and finance. This breadth of sectoral expertise enables him to bring both commercial understanding and legal precision to the resolution of high-stakes matters.

David’s practice is truly international in scope. He has acted as lead counsel or arbitrator in cases seated in major global arbitral centres including London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Delhi, Stockholm and The Hague. He is particularly renowned for his deep experience in Asian arbitration, and especially for his extensive work on India-related disputes. He has played a central role in landmark matters such as Devas v India, Devas v Antrix, Docomo v Tata, Indigo Airlines, Chatterjee v Haldia, and Emaar v MGF—cases that have shaped the landscape of Indian investment and commercial arbitration.

Across his career, David has been trusted by multinational companies, sovereign states, and leading global investors to guide them through their most sensitive disputes. He is known for combining rigorous legal analysis with strategic, commercially attuned judgment. Clients value his ability to distill complex issues, anticipate procedural challenges, and steer proceedings toward efficient and effective resolution. His long experience at the helm of a world-class disputes practice allows him to bring nuanced, practical insight to the matters before him.

In addition to his arbitration work, David serves as a mediator, helping parties resolve contentious matters through constructive dialogue and principled negotiation. In this capacity, he facilitates communication and guides parties toward mutually acceptable solutions without imposing a binding decision. He acts exclusively as an arbitrator and mediator, and no longer provides legal representation.

Throughout his distinguished career, David Kavanagh KC has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to helping parties navigate the most challenging international disputes. His reputation for wise counsel, sound judgment, and deep sector knowledge continues to make him one of the most sought-after arbitrators operating on the global stage today.