Derek S. Keay
Automatically compiled listing. Details may contain errors.Partner at Gowling WLG
- Called to the bar
- 1994
- Languages
- English
Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawAbout Derek S. Keay
Derek S. Keay helps technology companies raise capital and change hands. As a partner in the Ottawa office of Gowling WLG, Derek's corporate practice centres on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, and most of it involves emerging tech businesses. Clients range from Canadian and international companies to the angel, venture capital and institutional investors on the other side of their debt and equity deals.
Derek's been at Gowling WLG since 2005 and was called to the Ontario bar in 1994. Before the move, Derek had already been a partner twice: once at a technology law firm based in Kanata, and once in the technology business group of a national firm, where Derek spent over 10 years working out of its Ottawa offices.
That experience covers a tech company's whole life. Derek has worked with businesses from the start-up stage right through to public corporations, handling everyday legal needs such as corporate governance, and has advised companies, shareholders and buyers when a business is bought or sold, both within Canada and across the border.
Peers have noticed. Best Lawyers has recognized Derek since 2010 and named Derek its Ottawa "Lawyer of the Year" for Information Technology Law in 2022, 2024 and 2026.
Practice areas
Venture and growth financing
Derek acts on debt and equity financings for Canadian and international companies and for the angel, venture capital and institutional investors who take part in them, much of it in the emerging technology space.
Buying and selling businesses
Companies, shareholders and acquirers turn to Derek on purchases and sales of businesses, whether the deal stays in Canada or crosses the border.
Ongoing counsel to tech companies
From start-ups to public corporations, technology companies rely on Derek for day-to-day corporate needs, governance matters included.
Education & credentials
- LLB, Queen's University (1992)
- MIR, Queen's University (1989)
- BA (Hons.), Carleton University (1987)
- Called to the bar of Ontario (1994)
Awards & recognition
- Lawyer of the Year, Information Technology Law, Ottawa, Best Lawyers (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year, Information Technology Law, Ottawa, Best Lawyers (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year, Information Technology Law, Ottawa, Best Lawyers (2022)
- The Best Lawyers in Canada: Corporate Law, Information Technology Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Technology Law, Best Lawyers (2027)
Memberships & affiliations
- Canadian Bar Association, Business Law section: Derek is a member of the Canadian Bar Association's Business Law section.
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This listing was generated by AI from public sources in October 2026. It may contain errors, and we can’t guarantee it’s accurate or complete. Before you rely on anything here, verify it on their firm’s website. Confirm Derek S. Keay’s licence and standing in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗
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