Watson Farley & Williams LLP’s asset and structured finance team is renowned for its wide-ranging capabilities in aviation and shipping finance matters. It is prominent in a range of ESG and sustainability-linked financings. Led by Madeline Leong, the team has substantial experience in acting for leading banks, leasing companies, and other financial institutions. On the aviation side, it is experienced in financing transactions, restructuring, and the processing of JOLCO financings which Charles Viggers is particularly eminent. Lizzie Roe is recommended for financing and leasing, and Margaux Ith is noted for sustainability-linked and JOLCO financings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great breadth and strength across the geographies.’

  • ‘Richard Williams is excellent.’

  • ‘Great availability of Charles Viggers with strong negotiation skills. Great availability of Margaux with strong negotiation skills and profound knowledge of the industry.’

Key clients

  • Commerzbank AG
  • Maldivian Airlines
  • BNP Paribas
  • Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
  • Development Bank of Japan
  • La Banque Postale
  • Avolon
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Korea Transportation Asset Management
  • MUFG Bank, Ltd.
  • UBS Bank AG
  • Euler Hermes
  • Société Générale
  • China Aircraft Leasing Corporation
  • Hamburg Commercial Bank
  • ING Bank

Work highlights

  • Acted for CACIB, DBJ and LBP in the first ever sustainability linked ANPI supported JOLCO financing of one A350 aircraft leased to Air France.
  • Advised BNP Paribas on US$1,170m JOLCOs backed by Chinese ECA SINOSURE arranged for Seaspan Corporation.
  • Advised the China Aircraft Leasing Company and the lessor entities in the operating leasing of x 4 737-Max-8 aircraft to Virgin Australia Airlines.

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Madeline Leong, Charles Viggers

Other key lawyers

Richard Williams, Andrew Nimmo, Lizzie Roe, Margaux Ith