Derek McKinley advises government-related procurers, lenders, and sponsors on all aspects of complex energy and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia.

Derek leverages more than 15 years’ on-the-ground experience in the GCC to provide deep insight into the successful development and execution of projects within the energy and infrastructure sectors, including:

  • Oil and gas, as well as petrochemicals
  • Utilities (power, desalination, and wastewater treatment)
  • Transport (aviation, ports, rail, and road)
  • Social infrastructure (education and healthcare)

He partners with clients’ executive management to quickly triage crisis situations with an eye toward commercially focused advice, extending to both foreign investors and national developers.

Derek is a member of the International Project Finance Association’s Middle East chapter and has served on the firm’s Recruiting Committee and First Generation Professionals Committee.

A recognized thought leader, he regularly speaks and writes on energy and infrastructure opportunities and regulations in the Saudi market. Derek maintains an active pro bono practice and contributes to a wide range of public issues, including refugee rights and combatting human trafficking, climate change, and female genital mutilation.

Derek's most recent experience includes advising:

  • A government authority on the procurement of marine services for all ports in the Kingdom
  • A government authority on the procurement of two highways in the Kingdom
  • A GCC investor on three solar PV IPPs in the Kingdom
  • Lenders to a bidder on an industrial and residential complex in the Kingdom

Bar Qualification

  • England and Wales (Solicitor)
  • Saudi Arabia (Foreign Consultant)

Education

  • LPC, BPP Law School, 2006
  • LL.M., University of Cape Town, 2005
    JW Jagger Scholar, Engen Petroleum Prize
  • LL.B., Queen Mary College, University of London, 2003
    With Honors
  • LL.B., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 2003
    With Honors

Languages Spoken

  • English