Early life and career

Reid was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. He obtained an LL.B. from the University of Edinburgh School of Law

University of Edinburgh School of Law

The University of Edinburgh School of Law, founded in 1707, is a school within the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, dedicated to research and teaching in law. Known today as Edinburgh Law School, it is located in the historic Old College, the original site of the University...

 in 1986 and an LL.M from Columbia Law School

Columbia Law School

Columbia Law School, founded in 1858, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States. A member of the Ivy League, Columbia Law School is one of the professional graduate schools of Columbia University in New York City. It offers the J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. degrees in...

 in 1987.

Reid joined Davis Polk & Wardwell in 1987 as an Associate. In 1995, he became a partner. Reid left the firm in 2000, and joined Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm headquartered in New York City serving a diversified group of corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals. Morgan Stanley also operates in 36 countries around the world, with over 600 offices and a workforce of over 60,000....

as a Managing Director. He rejoined Davis Polk & Wardwell in 2003. In 2008, Reid was promoted to the Head of Corporate. In 2011, he was named Managing Partner.