Team size: Four

Major legal advisers: A&L Goodbody, Walkers, Milbank, CMS, Stephenson Harwood, BCLP

How has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected your company and the team’s priorities?

ESG and climate change initiatives have been at the forefront of discussion in the aviation industry over recent years. As one of the largest lessors of commercial aircraft in the world, ICBC International Leasing has partnered with all the major aircraft and engine manufacturers, acting together to equip aircraft with the newest technology and to deliver the fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft to commercial airlines. These developments reduce the negative impact of aviation on the environment whilst providing greater operating efficiency for airlines.

In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving in your region over the next few years?

Over the next few years, organisations will expect a greater amount of legal work to be managed in-house, which may have ordinarily been sent to external law firms. To achieve the objectives of their organisations, legal counsel need to be able to put the correct frameworks in place within their organisation to deliver a consistent high quality legal service.

What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The aviation industry was one of the most adversely affected industries by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last twelve months, our legal team has worked with airlines all over the world to help them restructure their businesses and overcome the impact of border closures. Since the onset of the pandemic, our legal team has worked on chapter 11 restructurings, schemes of arrangement, examinerships, corporate restructurings and reorganisations with airlines in multiple jurisdictions across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia. These restructurings have enabled such airlines to continue operating their business and become more resilient operators within the industry.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

In addition to continuously developing the necessary legal knowledge, corporate counsel need to be able to combine their legal skills with business knowledge and acumen so as to better understand and prioritise the business targets of their organisation. By demonstrating leadership quality and behaviour, corporate counsel can enhance the importance of the legal function within their organisations whilst delivering superior service and quality to their customers.