Derek Watson > Vedder Price > London, England > Lawyer Profile

The ‘seasoned’ London-based aviation finance practice at Vedder Price has strong and well-established relationships with lessors, financiers, operators and funds which are appreciative not only of its vast sector knowledge but also its ability to advise on both English and New York law debt products, often in unison with its market-leading US offering. Although it does handle some more commoditised financings, the partner-led team adds particular value on more complex and often heavily structured mandates, involving commercial and export-credit-backed debt. Gavin Hill has deep expertise at handling the financing, leasing and acquisition/sale of commercial/business aircraft and aircraft engines. Neil Poland is ‘able to distil complex legal issues’, including in the context of operating lease structures and export credit financings, into ‘clear, reasoned and commercially focused advice’ for lessors, banks and airlines. Dylan Potter is a ‘safe pair of hands’ on aviation finance transactions and also heads up the office’s maritime and equipment finance practices. The ‘professional and reliable’ Derek Watson handles corporate jet work alongside his commercial aviation offering, while John Pearson continues to gain recognition for his knowledge of ESG-related aviation matters.