Holland & Knight Partner Bill Piels Elected Fellow of American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers

San Francisco – April 18, 2011 – Holland & Knight is pleased to announce that Bill Piels, the executive partner of the firm's San Francisco office, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers (ACCFL). Membership in the college is limited to commercial finance lawyers, jurists and academics who have not only achieved preeminence in the field of commercial finance law, but who also have contributed significantly to the education of others in the field through teaching, lectures or published writings. Fellows must have at least 15 years of experience practicing law, 10 of which must have been in commercial finance law. Fellows are also recognized for their significant contributions to the field of commercial finance and high stature within the profession.

Piels has more than 25 years of experience in aircraft lease and financing transactions. His clients have included some of the world's largest aircraft operating lessors and international financial institutions. Piels frequently speaks at the New York School of International Aviation Finance and Aircraft Registry Forum. He has been listed in the Guide to the World's Leading Aviation Lawyers and recognized as a leading lawyer in Chambers USA (Aviation Finance) and The Best Lawyers in America (Structured Finance Law and Equipment Finance).

The ACCFL is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the field of commercial finance law through education, legislative reform and the recognition of distinguished members of the community. Of particular interest to the ACCFL is the recognition of those individuals who have not only attained a high degree of skill in the field of law, but who have helped others in the field by sharing their knowledge.