We 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 Responsibilities
- Working 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 Specification
Our 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.
