WASHINGTON, D.C., November 26, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kelby Ballena has been named to Marquis Who's Who, recognized for his leadership, innovation, and transformative contributions within the international legal community.

Kelby Ballena has built a distinguished career at the intersection of international arbitration, legal operations, and professional development. 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.

With more than two decades of experience at elite global law firms, Kelby has cultivated deep expertise navigating complex international disputes. Prior to joining Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, he served as a Specialist at Allen & Overy LLP and Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, managing complex global disputes and supporting high-stakes multi-jurisdictional matters. Earlier in his career, he held senior paralegal roles at Winston & Strawn LLP and White & Case LLP, building foundational experience in litigation and arbitration that continues to shape his approach today.

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.

Kelby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Sociology, and a minor in World Religions, from The George Washington University. He attributes his professional growth to a sustained commitment to learning—both from experience and from the people around him—an approach that continues to shape his philosophy as an educator, mentor, and leader in the profession.

His engagement with the wider legal community includes active involvement in the American Bar Association, the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium, and the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia, where he has contributed to membership, events, and professional development initiatives. He also mentors rising professionals through StreetWise Partners, helping individuals build meaningful careers through skill development and community support.

Kelby's influence extends beyond his firm. He serves on the Communications Committee of the Institute for Transnational Arbitration, shaping global conversations around arbitration trends. As Media Editor for the ITA in Review law journal at the Center for American and International Law, he helps guide content that informs practitioners on developments in U.S. and international law. He also contributes to the arbitration ecosystem as an Advisory Committee Member for Washington Arbitration Week, one of the most prominent arbitration events in the United States.

Outside of work, Kelby is a devoted husband and father who values travel for its ability to connect cultures and perspectives. Looking ahead, he aims to expand his teaching internationally, particularly in regions seeking greater insight into American legal systems, while continuing to champion innovation, education, and the next generation of legal talent.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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