Aviation Finance Associate, 2-6 PQE

Fladgate-LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Fladgate LLP’s Aviation practice in London seeks an Associate to handle sophisticated cross-border aircraft financing, leasing and related transactions for airlines and market participants, with strong client exposure.

You will develop a specialised aviation focus, draft and negotiate financing, lease and sale documents, and supervise junior team members while contributing to business development and regulatory awareness in the sector.

Qualifications

• Qualified in England and Wales with 18+ months’ experience in aviation or banking and finance.
• 12+ months’ experience in aviation or asset finance is essential.
• Strong drafting skills and a good understanding of finance and leasing documentation.
• Excellent client contact and relationship-building abilities.
• Able to manage complex transactions across multiple parties and jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Work on a broad range of commercial Aviation transactions, advising airlines and participants.
• Assist with financing projects involving export credit-supported, tax-based, manufacturer-supported, insurance-backed and Islamic financing structures.
• Involve fleet procurement and financing, including multi-aircraft, multi-jurisdiction transactions.
• Draft and negotiate financing, lease and purchase documents for commercial and business aircraft.
• Coordinate transaction processes across parties, jurisdictions and advisers; manage conditions precedents and closings.
• Supervise junior team members and contribute to business development and marketing initiatives.

Skills

Aviation finance

Banking & finance

Drafting skills

Client communication

Project coordination

Education

England & Wales Qualified

Job description

LondonContract LengthPermanentLocationLondonSeniorityAssociateWe have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Associate to join Fladgate’s growing Aviation practice which is part of our wider Funds, Finance & Regulatory department. You’ll work on sophisticated, often cross-border aircraft financing, leasing and other aviation transactions, acting for airlines and participants across the business aviation market, with strong client exposure and the opportunity to build a genuine specialism in the sector.We’re keen to hear from lawyers with experience in aviation or banking and finance who have a strong interest in developing their career in the aviation sector.Key ResponsibilitiesWorking on a broad range of commercial Aviation transactions, acting for airlines – really getting to the heart of how airlines manage their fleets and what matters to them, to keep passengers moving and aircraft flying.Supporting with financing transactions involving export credit-supported, tax-based, manufacturer-supported, insurance-backed and Islamic financing structures.Working on fleet procurement and financing projects, including transactions involving multiple aircraft and jurisdictions.Advising on business Aviation transactions across the entire sector – being a trusted advisor to our clients, guiding them through financings, aircraft acquisitions and disposals, and operational matters.Assisting with the negotiation of aircraft lease agreements, financing agreements and purchase agreements for commercial aircraft.Negotiating novation documents and other fleet-related documentation.Drafting and negotiating financing documents, and sale and purchase documents for business and corporate aircraft.Coordinating transaction processes across multiple parties, jurisdictions and professional advisers, including managing conditions precedent, complex closings, post-completion matters and conditions subsequent.Taking responsibility under supervision for own matters and managing all aspects of client work in line with the firm’s quality control procedures and office manual.Developing direct relationships with clients and take increasing responsibility for transactions as experience develops.Assisting in business development and marketing initiatives, attending client marketing activities where required.Supervising more junior members of the team including paralegals and trainees where appropriate.Keeping up to date with legal, regulatory and market developments in the Aviation sector, and develop expertise.Presenting training sessions internally and to clients where appropriate.Attending appropriate training sessions and ensuring CPD obligations are met.Taking an active part in departmental activities.Managing workflow to secretarial and support staff.Person SpecificationOur ideal candidate will possess most of the following attributes:Qualified in England and Wales with a minimum of 18 months’ experience gained within either an Aviation or a banking and finance team within a law firm. A minimum of 12 months’ experience within Aviation or asset finance is essential, though this may have been gained during a training contract.Strong drafting skills and a good understanding of finance and leasing documentation, and commercial contracts.A keen interest in the Aviation sector and the commercial drivers underpinning aircraft financing, leasing and fleet-related transactions.Comfortable working on complex transactions involving multiple parties and jurisdictions.Able to demonstrate exceptional case management and meticulous attention to detail.Able to demonstrate a proven track record of excellent direct client contact and client care.Excellent co-ordination and organisational skills.Communicates effectively and clearly.Track record of gaining respect, trust and credibility.Ability to initiate and sustain relationships with clients.Thinks creatively and has a positive work ethic.Energy, enthusiasm and drive.Achieves results within given timescales. Prioritises tasks effectively.We are looking for an individual who presents themselves with professionalism and polish, who will inspire the confidence of clients and colleagues.