A&L Goodbody LLP has a large and established asset finance practice that has a primary focus on aviation. Its varied client base includes a wide range of aircraft lessors, which the firm has advised on a series of sanctions issues linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Aside from lessors, the firm advises a wide range of other financial institutions, airlines and investors. Marie O’Brien is rated for establishing aircraft leasing platforms in Ireland, is head of the aviation and transport finance group, and is a recognised leader in the market alongside the immensely experienced Séamus Ó Cróinín. Maria McElhinney is gaining further recognition for cross-border matters, while Keith Mulhern is another key partner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A&L Goodbody has the best asset finance practice in Ireland. They are extremely knowledgeable and are very good at problem solving.’
‘Séamus Ó Cróinín - dean of the aviation Bar in Ireland, very resourceful. Marie O'Brien - heads the aviation team, very knowledgeable. Maria McElhinney - particularly good on cross-border issues.’
‘The asset finance team at A&L Goodbody has had a fantastic reputation for many years. The depth and experience of the team is outstanding. They are consistently chosen for the most strategic and novel transactions in the aviation space (financing, corporate M&A, regulatory).’
‘Marie O'Brien is the leader of the asset finance team. She is the go-to lawyer for new entrants setting up their aircraft leasing platforms in Ireland. Séamus Ó Cróinín is a very seasoned finance and leasing attorney.’
Key clients
- AerGen
- Aergo Capital
- Aero Capital Solutions
- Air Lease Corporation
- Airbus
- Aircastle
- Air T (Crestone Air Partners)
- Apollo Aviation / Merx Aviation Finance / Perseus Aviation Finance
- Asahi Aviation
- ASL Aviation
Work highlights
Advised Carlyle Aviation Management Limited AASET 2024-1 on the issuance of $4228m of secured notes that will be used to purchase a portfolio of 12 aircraft, including 10 narrow-body and two wide-body aircraft.
Advised the Joint Liquidators (Teneo Restructuring Ireland) in respect of the liquidation of Russian state-owned aircraft and shipping leasing firms, GTLK Europe DAC and GTLK Europe Capital DAC.
Acted as Irish counsel to Italian flag carrier, ITA Airways, on structuring its newly established Irish special purpose company and funding a private placement bond issue to fund the acquisition of its first owned aircraft, an Airbus A330-900.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Marie O'Brien
Other key lawyers
Séamus Ó Cróinín; Maria McElhinney; Keith Mulhern