Robert Ricketts
Holland & Knight (UK) LLP2024 saw asset finance and leasing specialist Victoria Koob take over as Holland & Knight (UK) LLP‘s executive partner, overseeing a practice that handles aircraft, engine and portfolio financing transactions. Robert Ricketts is ’aptly qualified’ in all matters tied to aircraft financing, acting for banks, airlines and lessors as it relates to the acquisition and disposal of aircraft, leases and registration. Richard Sharman acts for debt and equity investors when dealing in aviation assets, while Debra Erni, who joined from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in January 2024, handles cross-border financing and leasing matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Holland & Knight London possesses a deep bench of partners and lawyers in aviation finance and leasing with the recent addition of Debra Erni. The firm is also well recognised in the United States, including for ch. 11 airline reorganisations.'
- 'Richard Sharman is our go-to lawyer at Holland & Knight London. We have worked with him on some of our most difficult aircraft debt restructurings and have been impressed with his thoughtful approach in challenging situations.'
- 'Broad aviation competence, covering all fields of aircraft procurement, leasing and finance.'
- 'Very responsive.'
- 'Holland & Knight LLP's practice is unique in the field of aviation, the team being made up of seasoned legal practitioners with decades of experience in aviation matters.'
- 'Robert Ricketts has extensive aviation experience spanning decades in a variety of issues, which makes him aptly qualified to provide legal advice no matter the question of law.'
- 'A number of good all-rounders across the board.'
- 'Richard Sharman is pragmatic and solutions-driven. Victoria Koob is really knowledgeable in the leasing space as well as being very adept in a financing context.'
Key clients
- Oman Air
- Burrows Aerospace
- AerCap Holdings N.V.
- Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited
- Aircastle Limited
- SMBC Aviation Capital Limited
- Sloane Helicopters
Work highlights
- Advised various leasing companies in relation to confidential English law insurance settlements with Russian counterparties in respect of leased aircraft confiscated in Russia.
- Acted as creditors’ counsel to 9 lessors in relation to SAS' leased fleet of aircraft in its ch. 11 bankruptcy proceeding.
- Acted as counsel for AerCap with respect to the amendment of 10 secured portfolio facilities to account for the LIBOR transition.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Victoria Koob
Holland & Knight (UK) LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Victoria Koob