About Derek
Derek Keay is a partner in the firm’s Ottawa office.Derek practises corporate law with an emphasis on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, primarily involving emerging technology companies. His primary focus is on providing advice to Canadian and international companies, together with angel, venture capital and institutional investors in relation to debt and equity financing transactions. He also has extensive experience in advising companies, shareholders and acquirers in connection with the purchase and sale of businesses, both in Canada and cross-border. Derek has also worked extensively with technology companies at various stages, from start-ups to public corporations, assisting them in many aspects of their day-to-day legal requirements, including corporate governance matters.Prior to joining Gowlings in 2005, Derek was a partner with a Kanata-based technology law firm. In addition, he was a partner in the technology business group of a national law firm, where he practised for over 10 years from its Ottawa, Ontario offices.
Derek Keay is a partner in the firm’s Ottawa office.
Derek practises corporate law with an emphasis on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, primarily involving emerging technology companies. His primary focus is on providing advice to Canadian and international companies, together with angel, venture capital and institutional investors in relation to debt and equity financing transactions. He also has extensive experience in advising companies, shareholders and acquirers in connection with the purchase and sale of businesses, both in Canada and cross-border. Derek has also worked extensively with technology companies at various stages, from start-ups to public corporations, assisting them in many aspects of their day-to-day legal requirements, including corporate governance matters.
Prior to joining Gowlings in 2005, Derek was a partner with a Kanata-based technology law firm. In addition, he was a partner in the technology business group of a national law firm, where he practised for over 10 years from its Ottawa, Ontario offices.
Practice Areas
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Information Technology Law, Ottawa, Canada (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Information Technology Law, Ottawa, Canada (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year: Information Technology Law, Ottawa, Canada (2022)
- Recognized: Corporate Law
- Recognized: Information Technology Law
- Recognized: Technology Law
- Special Focus: Finance