Clifford Chance LLP

The 'experienced, knowledgeable and commercially-oriented' team at Clifford Chance LLP has 'great knowledge across all aspects of aviation finance and leasing' , ensuring that it is well-equipped to advise the firm's eclectic client mix of lessors, banks, funds and manufacturers. Because of the firm's bench strength in London and globally, as well as its ability to leverage broader overarching capital markets, banking, tax and restructuring practice area prowess, 'there is nothing they can’t tackle', and are often first-port of call for clients seeking advice on first-of-kind and novel transactions. 'Hugely  experienced' team head Oliver Hipperson 'understands the needs of the financiers', and is regularly instructed  by funders on highly structured and tax-driven mandates, including JOLCO structures. As well as his pure asset finance prowess, which includes expertise advising on ABS transactions, Ranbir Hunjan is also regularly engaged in broader transactional work in the aviation sector, including on M&A-related leasing matters, as well as helping to establish new leasing platforms for clients. Richard Evans 'is great at explaining technical legal issues, working out an acceptable solution for both sides', ensuring that he is a popular choice for creditors and debtors across a range of financing structures, including full and limited recourse operating lease financings, and tax-driven mandates. As well as his work for lessors on recovery efforts and sanctions compliance for aircraft leased to Russian airlines, Paul Carrington also heads up the firm's rail industry group. William Glaister recently retired.