Profile

Kelby Ballena has built a distinguished career at the intersection of international arbitration, legal operations, and professional development. Kelby has acted on behalf several Sovereign nations and multinational companies in international arbitration disputes conducted under the rules of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the American Arbitration Association (AAA/ICDR), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

As a specialist at Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, he plays a strategic role in advancing the firm's global presence through supporting cross-border matters, driving business development initiatives, enhancing branding efforts, and enhancing attorney visibility through conference design, event programming, and high-level speaking engagements.

Kelby is also highly regarded for his commitment to legal education, teaching paralegals through webinars, social media, and one-on-one sessions. And while he is not an attorney, he has been a guest lecturer at American University Washington College of Law and George Washington University Law School, bridging academic theory and real-world practice, teaching on the business of law, procedural strategy, and the integration of technology in modern legal workflows. He is a committed mentor to emerging professionals and the creator and co-host of "The Advocate Next Door Podcast", where he highlights diverse stories and elevates advocates making an impact in the community.