Ron Kirk is Senior Of Counsel in Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Dallas and Washington, D.C. offices. He is Leader of the International Trade Practice Group and a member of the Sports Law, Public Policy, Crisis Management and Private Equity Practice Groups.

Ambassador Kirk focuses on providing strategic advice to companies with global interests.

Ambassador Kirk has had an extensive career in Public Service.  Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in  April 2013, Ambassador Kirk served as United States Trade Representative (USTR) and was a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, serving as the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues.  He also served as Mayor  of Dallas from 1995 – 2001, and as Texas  Secretary of State in 1994 appointed by Gov. Ann W. Richards.

Prior to joining USTR, Ambassador Kirk was a partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP, where his principal area of practice was public finance and public policy.

Ambassador Kirk serves as a Corporate Director for Texas Instruments, and Macquarie Infrastructure Corp, and previously as a Director for Brinker International, Dean Foods, and PetSmart.  He serves as a Trustee for Austin College, the LBJ Presidential Library Foundation, and on the Board of the Dallas Citizens Council. Ron also is a Board Member of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Ambassador Kirk was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and received  his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas.  He received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1979.  He is married to Matrice Ellis-Kirk, and they have two adult  daughters. Ambassador Kirk is admitted to practice in Texas and the District of Columbia.