SILK PROFILE
Gavin Kealey KC

Gavin Kealey KC

UK Bar 2026

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Ranked in 6 practice areas

About

Provided by 7 King's Bench Walk

Practice Areas

Gavin Kealey is widely acknowledged to be one of the leading commercial silks practising at the English Bar both as Counsel and as Arbitrator.

He is Head of Chambers at 7 King’s Bench Walk, a Deputy High Court Judge with significant judgments to his name, and a Bencher of the Inner Temple.

He specialises in commercial law, and practises at all levels, including in reported decisions in the last five years in the Supreme Court, the Privy Council, the Court of Appeal, and the Commercial Court, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Court of Appeal. He is exceptionally well-known and in demand both as counsel and as arbitrator in international arbitrations in all parts of the world, and additionally as expert on English law and jurisdiction.

He holds rankings across eight practice areas, including Star Individual or Band 1 rankings in Insurance & Reinsurance, Aviation and International Arbitration (as both Counsel and Arbitrator). He was Chambers & Partners’ Insurance and Reinsurance Silk of the Year for 2022.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Insurance - London (Bar)

Star Individual
Star Individuals

Individual Editorial

Gavin Kealey KC is a highly regarded advocate and arbitrator who is head of chambers. He exhibits skill in handling international insurance disputes, including high-value arbitrations. Kealey represents insurers and insured parties in a wide range of disputes, including those relating to pharmaceutical, construction and aviation liabilities.

International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance - London (Bar)

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Gavin Kealey KC is a celebrated counsel in international arbitration, with the skills to handle multi-jurisdictional insurance disputes. His practice often involves matters of gross negligence and medical malpractice, acting for various insurers across the globe. He has particular prowess in acting before foreign tribunals and in arbitrations subject to Bermuda, Brazilian and New York law. He also sits as an arbitrator.

International Arbitration: Arbitrators - London (Bar)

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Gavin Kealey KC is a prominent arbitrator in the international commercial disputes sphere, best known for his expertise in insurance and reinsurance matters. He builds on many years of experience as counsel, arbitrator and deputy High Court judge. He is regularly appointed as sole arbitrator and as chair in arbitration proceedings. He often sits in London, New York, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

Aviation - London (Bar)

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Gavin Kealey of 7 King's Bench Walk is a significant figure at the Aviation Bar who applies his immense commercial experience to aviation-related cases, a number of which have an insurance slant to them. Noted for his tremendous intellect, he is also proficient in leasing disputes and heavyweight international arbitrations. Kealey is also recognised for his additional role as a deputy High Court judge.

Shipping & Commodities - London (Bar)

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

Gavin Kealey KC is the head of chambers and has deep shipping expertise which he puts to use on complex matters. He often receives high-value international instructions and also appears in arbitrations.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Gavin really is the best there is. He's our go-to when it's complicated and it really matters. He's never going to change.

    InsuranceUK Bar
  • Gavin works enormously hard. He thinks on his feet and develops good legal arguments as a result of his intellect and experience.

    InsuranceUK Bar
  • Gavin is a ruthless cross-examiner who leaves no stone unturned. He is the leading silk at the London insurance bar, who adeptly handles the most complex disputes that impact the insurance industry.

    InsuranceUK Bar
  • He is a brilliant advocate and insurance heavyweight.

    InsuranceUK Bar
  • Gavin is an insurance heavyweight with sound judgement

    InsuranceUK Bar
  • Gavin Kealey is super excellent and strong on his feet.

    International Arbitration: General Commercial & InsuranceUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at 7 King's Bench Walk (124)

London (Bar)

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