Shipping finance
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Stephenson Harwood
Alain is a highly established figure in France's banking and finance sector, with vast experience working on asset finance matters. Ranked as the number one ship finance lawyer in France by the leading legal directories, he also works on all aspects relating to the transportation industry. Alain acts predominantly in the field of asset finance (ships, corporate jets, industrial equipment, rolling stock), project finance, tax leasing, export credits, acquisition finance, securitisation and commodities financing. He has extensive experience advising banks and other financing institutions, leasing companies, sponsors and operators. A significant part of Alain’s practice involves the structuring of complex tax-based leasing structures. Together with Stéphane Salou, he has spearheaded the development of these types of products in the French legal market. In addition to his banking and finance expertise, Alain covers all aspects of the transportation industry including regulatory, acquisitions and restructurings. Alain speaks English and French and is a member of the Paris, New York and Manitoba (Canada) bars. He has also contributed to the fourth edition of the leading ship finance industry handbook, Shipping Finance.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Alexia specialises in asset finance, leasing and project finance, where she acts primarily for banks and other financial institutions, equity investors, export credit agencies, and other lenders and lessors.
Her asset finance and leasing practice focusses on transactions in the shipping, aviation and rail sectors, while in the project finance sphere she has developed strong expertise in the energy sector, especially as relating to renewables.
Alexia has extensive experience in structuring, documenting and negotiating acquisitions, financing and leasing transactions and has been involved in numerous complex restructurings in the last few years. She has also developed a strong track record advising on ECA-backed financings.
Stream – Avocats et Solicitors
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Philippe specialises in banking and finance law. He advises on French, English and cross-border aspects of financing transactions: corporate lending, acquisition finance, tax lease transactions (including in favour of the French overseas territories) and structured finance, with a particular focus on asset finance (aviation, shipping, rail and infrastructure).
Philippe is a dually qualified: he is admitted as avocat to the Paris Bar and as solicitor in England and Wales.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP
Stephanie has extensive experience across shipping and aviation assets, both commercial and private.
With a strong background in ship financing for all types of floating assets, from cruise ships to FPSOs and superyachts, Stephanie has experience in managing a wide range of transactions, from complex leveraged finance secured deals to substantial transactions involving 50 or more vessels across multiple jurisdictions.
Stephanie has in-depth experience in superyacht financing, sale and purchase, and acts for many of the leading financial institutions lending in the area, as well as high net worth individuals – which is complemented by wide experience in the corporate jet and helicopter markets.
Stephanie has guided airlines, lessors and financial institutions on leasing and financing arrangements of all shapes and sizes, from warehouse facilities to sale and leaseback structures as well as restructurings and part-out arrangements.
Stephanie also acts for capital providers and key insurance market participants in connection with Funds at Lloyds and other insurance and reinsurance financings, advising on various capital structures to support Syndicates within Solvency II and other regulatory requirements.
Stream – Avocats et Solicitors