Holland & Knight Named a Top Aviation Law Firm by Chambers UK
LONDON (October 22, 2020) – Holland & Knight has been ranked among the top law firms in the United Kingdom in the Aviation category by Chambers UK in its newly released 2021 edition. Two of the firm's London-based aviation attorneys, Partner Robert Ricketts and Senior Counsel Tim Murray, were individually ranked in the Aviation category. London-based Partner Victoria Koob was recognized as "Up and Coming" in the Asset Finance: Aviation Finance category.
According to Chambers, clients of the firm's London aviation team "benefit from international resources, particularly across the USA, on complex multi-jurisdictional matters," providing them "with a range of regulatory and commercial advice." It notes that recent work includes representing Oman Air on fleet renewal and advising on the purchase and leasing of new aircraft from Boeing and other lessors.
Mr. Ricketts advises banks, leasing companies and airlines on various issues arising from the sale, purchase, leasing, financing, maintenance and mortgaging of aircraft. Recent transactions include the leasing of Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier aircraft by a variety of lessors and the sale of a diverse range of aircraft. In addition to his substantial corporate jet practice, Mr. Ricketts represents several airlines throughout Europe and elsewhere around the world. He is the executive partner of Holland & Knight's London office.
Chambers describes Mr. Ricketts as "a knowledgeable and brilliant lawyer," according to its sources.
Mr. Murray represents airlines, leasing companies, airports, business and general aviation operators, and other companies involved in the aviation and travel industries. He has extensive experience in aviation and travel-related dispute resolution matters in the English courts and in arbitrations, including leasing, aircraft finance, insurance, aircraft repossessions, aircraft engineering, technical issues, accidents and general contractual disputes. Mr. Murray also advises on a wide range of regulatory issues, including matters before the European Commission, the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the UK Department for Transport.
According to Chambers, "the 'excellent' Mr. Murray is regarded by sources as 'very conscientious and thorough.' He comes highly recommended for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional contentious cases, including leasing and repossession disputes."
Ms. Koob has extensive experience in aviation transactions and is well-versed in cross-border asset finance and leasing structures. She represents leasing companies, international financial institutions and airlines in a broad range of transactions, including export credit-supported financings, multi-aircraft portfolios, leasing, fleet purchase contracts, restructurings and insolvencies.
Ms. Koob's clients told Chambers that she is "very personable and pleasant to deal with. She is a very good lawyer" and "extremely responsive . . . very intelligent and very commercial."
Chambers UK is designed to reflect market opinion through a year's worth of client and lawyer surveys. It is one in a series of Chambers and Partners' independent, objective and research-based guides to the legal profession around the world. The attributes assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by clients.