Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is noted for its global and fully integrated practice, which is active for prestige clients in a diverse array of transactions, including sales, acquisitions, restructurings, and a range of capital markets matters. The group is particularly noted for its expertise in the aviation industry, with team members taking a thought leadership role in this space. Graham Tyler leads the team, and covers all aspects of aircraft procurement, portfolio acquisitions and sales, among other issues. Antony Single is well-known for his coverage of asset finance matters, and leads the firm’s aviation energy transition practice. Chris Knight made partner in January 2025, further expanding the team’s offering.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The aviation team at Pillsbury offer excellent support from the top down with an invaluable offering. Good transparency too.'
- 'Appropriate resourcing and partners' engagement in the deals.'
- 'They try to understand their clients and build knowledge of the client institution. Capable of advising both loan and swaps and understands the needs of clients.'
- 'PWSP team led by Graham Tyler and Chris Knight are very professional and understood the timing requirement and worked along with the lenders to work on the mandate.'
Key clients
- AV AirFinance
- Deutsche Bank
- Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- Emirates Airlines
- ICBC Leasing
- MSC
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Novus Aviation Capital
- Oaktree Capital Management
Work highlights
Led two large syndicates in relation to $2.5 billion unsecured term facilities for AviLease, refinancing a bridge loan from its 2023 acquisition of Standard Chartered's aircraft leasing platform.
Continued to advise Oaktree Capital and World Star Aviation throughout 2024 on their aircraft portfolios, including acquisitions, financings, and lease management.
Counselled Dubai Aerospace Enterprise on its $1.05 billion senior multi-tranche term financing facilities - including both conventional and Islamic tranches - with Emirates NBD Bank.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Graham Tyler
Other key lawyers
Antony Single; Chris Knight