With a particular strength representing international and airlines, the team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP remains active, advising on aircraft financing, airport infrastructure development, and fleet purchases. Recent highlights for the team include acting as fleet counsel in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding and representing a client in an equity investment proceeding. New York-based Brian Liu heads the practice, where he is engaged by high-profile clients like American Airlines and Spirit Airlines in a range of matters, including enhanced equipment trust certificates and secured notes issuances. For representation of fund sponsors and project companies, Michael McGuigan is a notable name, whose experience includes working on major U.S infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of JFK International Airport. Iryna Nikolaieva continues to be a key member of the team, advising on a range of domestic and international financing projects. Former team head, Paul Brusiloff, has retired.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'D&P brings substantial expertise in an almost bespoke area of finance, but one in which deep and wide expertise is needed.'
- 'The team has taken a strong interest in the transactions and has assumed a leadership role in driving forward.'
- 'Brian Liu, Vitali Anfimov and Iryna Nikolaieva have all been great. They have taken the time to walk us through issues and have been very practical.'
Key clients
- AAR Corp.
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Spirit Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- UPS
- RRJ Capital
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.
Practice head
Brian E. Liu
Other key lawyers
Michael P. McGuigan; Iryna V. Nikolaieva