Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its aviation finance practice with the arrival of partner Laurence Hanley, who joins the firm in Paris.
“Despite the current challenges brought by the global pandemic, the aviation sector has avoided the level of turbulence many predicted, and funding continues to flow into the aircraft financing sector,” said Tammy Samuel, head of finance, Stephenson Harwood. “That’s why we’re continuing to grow and strengthen our award-winning international aviation finance practice: Laurence is the third partner to join the practice during the last 12 months, following the arrivals of James Collins and Rebecca Garner. As well as having large practices in London and Asia, the Paris market has played a key role in the team’s success, and Laurence brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge – not only on the financing side but also advising operators – which complements our existing capabilities.”
Hanley’s practice is focused on aircraft finance and commercial aviation. He advises airlines on all structured finance matters, from LOI stage to financing, covering debt, JOLCO and specialist sale agreements, tax structuring and aircraft portfolio securitisation. On the operating side, he is a specialist aircraft lease negotiator. He advises lessors on aircraft purchase and leasing, and lenders – in the event of operator insolvency – on security issues and asset recovery. He also advises clients on the commercial contracts surrounding aircraft operation. He joins the firm, with his team, from Stream, formerly Ince & Co France, where he was a partner.
“Laurence’s arrival fulfils two strategic ambitions: to strengthen our aviation capabilities in Paris and to continue to grow the partnership here,” said Nicolas Demigneux, Stephenson Harwood’s office managing partner in Paris. “Laurence is the third partner to join the Paris office so far this year, following competition partner Jean-Julien Lemonnier and employment partner Soazig Préteseille. It’s an exciting time for the office as we build our offering and gather momentum in creating a strong European hub for the firm in France.”