McKinley, Derek

Derek McKinley

Partner

derek.mckinley@lw.com
derek.mckinley@lw.com
    McKinley, Derek

    Derek McKinley

    Partner

    derek.mckinley@lw.com
    Projects and Infrastructure Next Generation Partner of the Year (MENA)

    Legal 500 MENA 2026

    Ranked – Projects & Energy (Saudi Arabia)

    Chambers Global 2026

    Rising Star Partner – Energy & Infrastructure and Project Finance

    IFLR1000 2025

    Next Generation Partner – Projects and Energy (Saudi Arabia)

    Legal 500 EMEA 2025

    Profile

    Derek McKinley, Regional Chair of the Middle East Finance Department, is a partner in the Riyadh office of Latham & Watkins. 

    Derek has been in the Middle East since 2008 and leverages a wealth of experience to efficiently and pragmatically close transactions in:

    • Oil and gas (and petrochemicals)
    • Real estate (hospitality, industrial, residential, and warehousing) 
    • Utilities (power, desalination, and wastewater treatment)
    • Transport (aviation, ports, rail, and road)
    • Social infrastructure (education, healthcare, and student accommodation)

    Qualifications

    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., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 2003
      With Honors
    • LL.B., Queen Mary College, University of London, 2003
      With Honors

    Languages Spoken

    • English

    Practices

    Industries

    News & Insights

    Read More