‘Very good aviation law firm’ Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is consistently sought out by financial institutions, leasing companies, airlines, manufacturers, and export credit agencies for high-stakes aircraft finance work. Providing both New York and English law capabilities, the team regularly handles portfolio sales, acquisitions, and financings as well as advising on structured finance, cross-border private equity and hedge fund investment structures, and Islamic and Export Credit Agency-supported financings. The team also assists with leasings (including related restructurings, disputes and repossessions), procurement of new aircraft and engines from manufacturers, and the formation and unwinding of multinational aviation leasing platforms. In New York, the ’very experienced’ global finance practice head Mark Lessard has particular expertise in cross-border transactions, Melissa Jones-Prus focuses on the financing and leasing of aircraft and other aviation assets, and recently-promoted partner Pat Reisinger is an adviser on commercial and business aircraft finance deals. In Los Angeles, Richard Evans is an expert in commercial aircraft and private jet-related financings and leasings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Pillsbury is a very good aviation law firm. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise.’
  • ‘Mark Lessard is a reference point in the industry. He is very experienced, having worked on a wide variety of structures and products.’
  • ‘Clients very much enjoy working with Melissa Jones-Prus.’

Key clients

  • Azorra Aviation
  • BofA Securities, Inc
  • MUFG Securities Americas Inc
  • Atlas Air
  • Jackson Square Aviation
  • Natixis New York Branch
  • BNP Paribas
  • FTAI Aviation
  • Air Lease Corp
  • Aviation Capital Group
  • Natixis
  • Credit Agricole CIB
  • BNP Paribas
  • MUFG Bank
  • SMBC
  • KfW
  • HSBC
  • Mizuho

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mark Lessard

Other key lawyers

Melissa Jones-Prus, Pat Reisinger, Richard Evans