K&L Gates‘ banking and asset finance practice is lauded by clients as a ’go-to‘ team, and as ’one of the strongest aviation legal firms in Asia‘. The practice has particular expertise in asset finance transactions with aviation and shipping aspects, with additional experience in real estate transactions, cross-border leasing cases, and both secured and unsecured loans. Robert Melson, described as a ’superior force‘, leads the team and specialises in aircraft finance work. Other key names include Sebastian Smith, Takahiro Kawaguchi, and of counsel Eiko Grieger.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘K&L Gates is one of the strongest aviation legal firms in Asia but with particular experience, know-how and strength in depth in the Japan market.'
- 'For lessors and lenders in Japan, KLG is one of the premier, most experienced and professional “go-to” firms in the aviation sector.’
- ‘Bob Melson is a superior force in the Japanese aviation sector. Bob is always fully engaged, available, professional and always adept in finding commercial solutions.'
Key clients
- JP Lease Products & Services Co., Ltd.
- Financial Partners Group
- JIA Trust Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised FPG on the acquisition of Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel in Waikiki, HI.
- Advised on New York, Japanese and English law aspects on the creation of a warehouse facility to subsidiaries of JP Lease to fund new aircraft deliveries into the US market and to refinance existing loans for aircraft less than two years old in the European and US markets.
- Assisted JP Lease Products & Services in closing a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option financing of three Airbus A320 aircraft with ICBC Financial Leasing as intermediate Lessee.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Robert Melson