Associate - Asset Finance 3PQE+
Asset Finance Associate (3+ PQE)
London
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a mid-level Asset Finance Associate to join the London office of a leading international law firm with a standout reputation in transport and aviation finance. The team is widely recognised for its depth of expertise in complex, cross-border aviation transactions and regularly advises on some of the most high-profile financings in the global market.
This is a key strategic hire into a practice where aviation finance sits at the heart of the offering, supported by broader capabilities across shipping, rail and structured finance.
The Role
You will join a highly regarded team acting for leading airlines, lessors, banks, export credit agencies and institutional investors on sophisticated aviation finance matters. The role will involve significant exposure to international work, often requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions and close collaboration with colleagues globally.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising on a wide range of aviation finance transactions, including aircraft acquisitions, pre-delivery payment financings, leasing arrangements and refinancing structures
- Structuring and executing complex cross-border financings, often involving multiple stakeholders and layered financing arrangements
- Drafting and negotiating key documentation, including facility agreements, lease agreements, security documents and ancillary transaction documentation [simplyhired.co.uk]
- Supporting transactions across the full lifecycle, from initial structuring through to closing and post-completion matters
- Advising clients on risk allocation, asset ownership structures and regulatory considerations within the aviation sector
- Working alongside wider finance, restructuring and disputes teams on related matters, including enforcement, repossessions and distressed scenarios
While aviation will form the core of the role, there may also be exposure to shipping and broader asset finance transactions where relevant.
Candidate Profile
- England & Wales qualified (or common law equivalent) with 3+ years' PQE
- Demonstrable experience in aviation finance, asset finance or structured finance gained at a leading international or City firm
- Strong drafting and transaction management skills, with experience handling complex finance documentation
- A commercial, solutions-driven mindset with strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and engage directly with clients and counterparties
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to join a genuinely market-leading aviation finance practice with a global footprint. The team is particularly well regarded for its ability to deliver innovative financing structures and navigate highly technical, cross-border mandates within the aviation sector.
Associates in the team benefit from early responsibility, direct partner exposure and the opportunity to work on industry-leading transactions. The firm offers a collaborative and international environment with strong long-term career progression prospects.
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