PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

•  With new and exciting client mandates, our high performing Asset Finance team are seeking to expand their aviation finance practice. You will play a key part in delivering high-value, cross-border aviation finance transactions and supporting the continued growth of our specialist aviation finance offering, whilst also contributing to the wider Asset Finance team. 
•    Based in London, you will form part of our national team of experts working with clients across the UK and Internationally; you will have an opportunity to work alongside a range of partners and team members spread across AG's offices.

THE TEAM

•    You will join Addleshaw Goddard's market-leading asset finance team, which is renowned for its depth of expertise and comprehensive service offering. The team acts for a broad spectrum of clients including major banks, alternative funders, lessors, corporates, and international organisations, and is supported by AG's wider network of specialists including across the transport and energy sectors. 
•    The team's work spans all asset categories, and it is complemented by an internationally recognised aviation practice. The team's excellence has been recognised by industry awards, including Asset Finance Legal Provider of the Year and Asset Finance Legal Team of the Year.
•    As part of our dynamic and ambitious Finance & Projects Group, you will be working alongside a specialist aviation finance partner who is recognised as a “Rising Star” and “Next Generation Partner” by Legal 500 and a “Notable Practitioner” by Chambers UK. The team is known for its deep sector expertise, client-focused approach, and track record of advising on award-winning, complex aviation finance and leasing transactions for major international banks, lessors, and airlines. The practice is fully integrated with Addleshaw Goddard's wider asset finance, asset-backed lending, and cross-border aviation teams, providing a collaborative and supportive environment.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE ROLE

•    Advise on the full lifecycle of aviation finance, leasing, and restructuring transactions, including insurance-supported deals, hybrid financings (commercial debt and tax-based lease structures), export credit agency-supported financings, Japanese operating leases (JOLCOs), receivables financing, Islamic finance, Italian and French tax leases, PDP facilities, and sale and leaseback transactions.
•    Act for a diverse client base including major international banks, alternative funders, lessors, airlines, and investors on high-profile, cross-border transactions and award-winning deals.
•    Draft, negotiate, and review a wide range of aviation finance documentation, including aircraft and engine purchase contracts, operating and finance leases, security documents, and restructuring agreements.
•    Support clients on complex lease restructurings, COVID-related financing workouts, and settlements linked to technical and regulatory issues (e.g., Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner).
•    Advise on corporate and private jet financing, as well as broader trade receivables, securitisations, and warehouse facilities.
•    Collaborate closely with colleagues across the firm's global finance and transport platform, contributing to business development and the strategic growth of the aviation finance practice.
•    Benefit from direct mentorship and training from a leading practitioner, with opportunities for career progression and involvement in high-profile, market-leading transactions.
•    The team is very collaborative, and the role is to work cross office with the team members drawn throughout the firm for well-known clients on high profile deals. 
•    Strongly encouraged to take responsibility for business development both engaging directly with client contacts at networking events and by providing training.
•    You will also be involved in the work of the broader asset finance team, giving you exposure to a wide range of asset financing transactions beyond aviation. This will enhance your technical expertise, broaden your sector experience, and provide opportunities to work with colleagues and clients across different industries, supporting your professional development and career progression within a market-leading finance practice.
•    Continuous self-development is valued, and you will be encouraged to engage with formal training programmes (whether technical or skills based) and to draw on mentoring, coaching and leadership development programmes available to you.
•    Our market leading Associate and Managing Associate development programmes will help you map out key objectives and timescales for your career progression and provide you with a mentor and frequent check-ins.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•    You are a qualified Solicitor with at least 3 years PQE and experience in asset finance and ability to advise both financial institutions and borrower clients on a range of asset finance matters, including operating and finance leasing, receivables finance, debt finance, and vendor finance.
•    Experience in aviation finance, with a strong interest in the aviation sector.
•    Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with a pragmatic, client-focused approach and the ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional matters liaising and coordinating with fee earners from other relevant disciplines as needed.
•    A keen intellect and a commercial and collaborative mindset. Ability to demonstrate the provision of pragmatic and tailored advice in a way that supports internal and external clients alike.
•    Be inquisitive and want to understand our clients, their drivers, and what matters to them, so that your advice has quality, imagination, and impact.

OUR FIRM

Addleshaw Goddard is a place where you are valued, encouraged, and challenged to fulfil your potential in a supportive and collegiate environment.  Our culture of improvement, growth and collaboration delivers results, drives innovation, and rewards ambition. 

We not only provide technical excellence and experience but, crucially, demonstrate real insight into our clients and what really matters to them and as such we are natural choice for FTSE100 clients and their equivalents in other markets.

Our success has been built by people from the widest range of backgrounds, locations, and perspectives. We have a number of employee networks that provide space to discuss the differences that make us who we are and celebrate this at AG.