Banking & Finance: International
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 2
Contact number
+81 3 6205 3600Chambers Review
K&L Gates offers a sought-after asset finance team with specialist knowledge of the aviation industry and extensive experience in JOLCO structures. The firm frequently advises leasing companies as well as financial institutions on cross-border financing deals, especially those involving the purchase or leasing of aircraft and aircraft parts. The team also assists with securities arrangements and is knowledgeable and experienced in handling rail, shipping and container finance transactions.
Work Highlights
- K&L Gates represented MUFG and Airbus Banks as lenders' counsel to protect their collateral positions during the bankruptcy restructuring filed by Voyager Aviation Holdings.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm actively advised us and raised issues which enabled us to fairly assess risk and return."
"I am always impressed by their team in terms of the overall depth and breadth of their global services."
"K&L Gates have lawyers with different strengths and experiences, together with providing very good service of consistent quality."
"The firm actively advised us and raised issues which enabled us to fairly assess risk and return."
"I am always impressed by their team in terms of the overall depth and breadth of their global services."
"K&L Gates have lawyers with different strengths and experiences, together with providing very good service of consistent quality."
Notable Practitioners
Robert Melson is widely praised as a top-calibre aviation finance specialist, frequently advising lessors in relation to aircraft leasings and financings.
"Robert knows exactly what is going on in the market. He is extremely commercial and focused on getting the deal done."
"He has the sharpest legal and commercial mind in the industry, full of alacrity and zeal."
Sebastian Smith is involved in the aviation financing sphere and handles cross-border lease financing. He is especially active on JOLCO transactions and is also sought after for his expertise in financing aircraft freighter conversions.
"Sebastian Smith is technically very strong and super resourceful. Nothing escapes him."
"He is always very satisfactory and impressive in the quality of his services."
"Sebastian is a good lawyer with in-depth knowledge and commercial awareness."