Fielding a ‘very knowledgeable team’, K&L Gates Straits Law LLC’s aviation finance practice counts financial institutions, leasing companies,, and airlines among its key roster of clients, assisting them on structuring, documents and negotiating aircraft finance transactions. Co-head Samuel Kolehmainen, who is praised for going ’above and beyond for clients’, has extensive experience in commercial and Export Credit Agency financings. Fellow co-head Duc Nguyen focuses on corporate and international finance.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Samuel Kolehmainen goes above and beyond for clients and can always be relied on for up-to-date advice, delivered in a clear and easily digestible manner.’

  • ‘Samuel Kolehmainen has good commercial senses.'

  • ‘Duc Nguyen is very practical and efficient.’

  • ‘A very knowledgeable team, who are always extremely responsive.'

  • 'Samuel Kolehmainen is highly experienced and is always able to provide solutions to reach an acceptable compromise by all.’

  • ‘Capable, reliable, efficient and knowledgeable.'

  • ‘Duc Nguyen is excellent. Very commercial and proactive.’

  • ‘K&L Gates' asset finance team is extremely reactive, professional, efficient and dedicated.’

Key clients

  • AirAsia Berhad
  • Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
  • Credit Industriel et Commercial
  • AerDragon Aviation Partners Limited
  • MUFG Bank Ltd
  • AerCap
  • BOC Aviation Limited
  • Falko Regional Aircraft Limited
  • VietJet Joint Stock Company
  • Vietnam Airlines Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising AerDragon Aviation Partners on the refinancing of eleven mid-life aircraft on lease to six different airlines.

Lawyers

Leading partners
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.

Samuel Kolehmainen, Duc Nguyen