Drawing upon strong core aviation finance capability in London and New York, and also able to leverage broader corporate, finance and restructuring competence, Milbank remains at the forefront of the market for lessors, banks, investors and operators across the full spectrum of their cross-border finance and leasing needs. In particular, the team excels in handling complex and novel transactions which are often heavily structured, as well as recently undertaking more secured lending mandates by virtue of a recent dip in capital markets activity. Nick Swinburne is ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ across a range of financings and broader corporate transactional work in the sector, including in the context of portfolio acquisitions for lessors and the utilisation of Japanese operating lease with call option (JOLCO) structures. James Cameron, who co-heads the team alongside Swinburne, has ’excellent knowledge of the industry and is great for large transactions’, where he is able to corral the expertise of ‘an excellent bench of associates’, including the ’bright and efficient’ Tom Jackson. Mark Leverkus departed for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in April 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They are able to draw upon an excellent bench of associates meaning that work is appropriately allocated.'
  • 'James Cameron has excellent knowledge of the industry and is great for large transactions which involve a strong team of associates.'
  • 'Nick Swinburne is a truly excellent leader in aviation finance. Incredibly knowledgeable and a strong choice for our complex transactions.'
  • 'Nick Swinburne – stood out among competitors as counsel for a new Japanese structure.'
  • 'The excellent Tom Jackson is bright and efficient.'

Key clients

  • Abelo (formerly Elix Aviation Capital)
  • AerCap
  • Aergo
  • Aircastle
  • Air France
  • Ares
  • Avolon
  • Bank of China Aviation
  • Barclays
  • Barings
  • BBAM/NBB
  • BNP Paribas
  • Brookfield
  • CALC
  • CDB Leasing
  • Centerbridge
  • Citibank China Merchant Bank
  • Chorus Aviation
  • CMB Financial Leasing
  • Credit Suisse
  • Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
  • Deucalion
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Development Bank of Japan

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
James Cameron
Milbank
Nick Swinburne
Milbank

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Cameron, Nick Swinburne

Other key lawyers

Tom Jackson, Andy McAdam