The ‘commercially minded’ aviation finance team at Vedder Price is adept at handling Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, portfolio acquisition, and structured finance, led by Chicago’s Geoffrey Kass. The clientbase is diverse, the team assists airlines, manufacturers, banks, and investment funds in domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters. It regularly advises Air Canada, Citibank, and Aerocapital Solutions on their aviation finance endeavors. Kass is well known in the market for his aptitude in financial structuring and securities offerings in both the public and private sectors. In New York ’the practical and experienced’ Jeffery Veber is hailed as an ‘excellent attorney’ for his work in joint ventures, leveraged leasings, and asset acquisition. Working alongside him Cameron A. Gee has a multifaceted practice, equipped with the skills to work on warehouse financings, leveraged leases, and EETCs. In Los Angeles, Raviv Surpin is a talented negotiator who notably represented Sky Leasing in a revolving warehouse credit facility with a syndicate that included Deutsche Bank. Rising partner Justine Chivers excels in portfolio financing, working for lessors and aviation corporations alike. Other key lawyers include; Adam Beringer, Michael E. Draz, and Mark Ditto who all work out of Chicago.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Attentive, ability to describe complex legal situations, focus on getting the deal done’
‘The Vedder Price Global Transportation Finance team is regarded as one of the top aviation finance and leasing groups in the world. They are highly experienced in all aspects of aircraft finance.’
‘Jeff Veber is an outstanding attorney who is practical and experienced.’
‘Comprehensive coverage of leasing, corporate finance, and aviation finance. Excellent subject matter knowledge and industry intel.’
Key clients
- Aero Capital Solutions
- Air Canada
- Azorra
- BBAM Aircraft Management
- Castlelake, L.P.
- Citibank, N.A.
- Export-Import Bank of the United States
- ITE Management
- Macquarie Bank
- Strategic Value Partners LLP
Work highlights
Represented Macquarie AirFinance in the $3.2 billion acquisition and financing of 75 aircraft from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company K.S.C.P. (as amended, restated and upsized from the initial purchase of 50+ aircraft).
Represented Air Canada in a $2.15 billion revolving credit facility and a term loan B credit facility secured by slots, gates and routes and provided by a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase
Represented Voyager Aviation as lead M&A and aircraft counsel in the $900 million sale of its aircraft portfolio as part of a Chapter 11 restructuring process, addressing issues related to 747-8F aircraft located in Russia and participation in those insurance claims and acting as bankruptcy counsel for Russian aircraft.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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
Geoffrey R. Kass
Other key lawyers
Adam Beringer; Mark Ditto; Michael Draz; Jeffery Veber; Raviv Surpin; Cameron Gee; Justine Chivers