Vedder Price houses a ‘commercially sound, legally robust, and culturally sensitive’ team that regularly advises banks, financial institutions, investors, borrowers, and lessors on operating and finance lease transactions in the aviation sector. The Singapore-based team is led by Ji Woon Kim, who is recognised for his ’solution-oriented mindset’ when advising commercial banks, private credit finance companies, investors, export-credit agencies, borrowers, lessors and other stakeholders on equipment finance matters involving commercial aircraft. David Paterson, who joined from Milbank in February 2025, specialises in aircraft-backed international finance and leasing transactions
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Vedder Price’s asset finance practice stands out for its deep industry expertise, commercial acumen, and collaborative approach. What makes this team truly unique is its ability to combine technical excellence with a pragmatic understanding of client needs, particularly in complex cross-border transactions and structured finance.'
'Partners like Ji Woon Kim bring a strategic mindset to every transaction, often identifying opportunities or risks that others might overlook. His associates are equally impressive—detail-oriented, responsive, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure smooth execution.'
'Ji Woon Kim runs a great shop in Vedder Price Singapore. Ji sets a very professional tone, and he hires only the most capable lawyers. Vedder Price's Singapore office is known to have very effective lawyers. A go-to firm in Singapore.'
'Ji Woon Kim is incredibly pragmatic and commercial in his approach. He is flexible, yet firm, and knows when you need to be agreeable and when to push back. I always feel like I am in great hands when working with Ji.'
'Ultimately, the most important role of an aviation commercial lawyer is not to argue every possible legal point, but to help the deal happen in a way that is commercially sound, legally robust, and culturally sensitive. Vedder Price Singapore exemplifies this philosophy. With experienced partners, a global network, and deep aviation expertise, they offer a unique blend of strengths that few other firms in Asia can match.'
'In the aviation finance and leasing sector, the difference between a legal service provider and a true partner can determine whether a deal proceeds smoothly or stalls under the weight of paperwork. Ji Woon Kim exemplifies the latter. Ji involves himself from start to finish in every transaction. He is fully engaged in the strategy, structure, and execution of the deal, always working toward the same objective as the dealmakers: making the deal happen.'
Key clients
- AerDragon Aviation
- AV AirFinance
- BBAM
- BNP Paribas
- Castlelake
- CDB Aviation
- Credit Industrial et Commercial
- Export-Import Bank of the United States
- Haitong UT Leasing
- ING Bank
- KEB Hana Bank
- Korea Development Bank
Work highlights
Advised AV Air Finance and KKR Lenders on finance lease financing for VietJet.
Advised KDB on Canadian-dollar financing for KAL.
Advised US EXIM on KRW-financing for KAL.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Ji Woon Kim