Aviation Finance Associate

Aviation Finance Associate | 2 - 5 PQE | London | Top 25 UK Law Firm

Are you an Aviation Finance Solicitor with 2 - 5 years PQE looking to join a leading international law firm in London, where you can build client relationships early and enjoy strong progression prospects?

This exclusive mandate through JMC Legal Recruitment is not with the wider market and offers the chance to join a Top 25 UK law firm known for technical excellence, innovation and a dynamic approach.

About the Firm

This Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked firm has created a strong reputation for delivering high quality outcomes across their domestic and international client base of HNW individuals, multi-national corporations, financial institutions and public authorities. With a full-service expertise across Financial Services, Energy, Real Estate, Technology, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Private Client and many more! They have built an esteemed reputation throughout its 250-year history, putting them in good stead to compete with some of the world's biggest firms.

Despite its impressive global footprint, the firm retains a close-knit, collegiate environment, placing genuine emphasis on employee development and wellbeing. With a culture built around their three core values of quality, imagination and impact, you will be part of a supportive, collaborative firm that encourages authenticity, innovation and personal growth.

With a strong UK presence and an expanding international reach, the firm continues to attract top legal minds through its commitment to innovation, diversity, and flexible working. It has earned a reputation as an employer of choice, offering its lawyers both challenging work and the space to thrive.

About the Team

The Aviation Finance team sits within the firm's market-leading Asset Finance department, widely recognised for its depth of expertise and premium client base. The team advises major international banks, lessors and airlines across the full lifecycle of aviation finance, leasing and restructuring matters, offering exposure to some of the sector's most significant and high-value transactions.

Its work spans insurance-backed transactions and complex hybrid financings involving commercial debt and tax-based lease structures, including export credit agency-supported financings, JOLCOs, Islamic finance, and Italian and French tax leases. Recent mandates include high-value aircraft and engine acquisitions, sale and leasebacks, and operating lease transactions. This is a practice where Associates gain hands-on involvement in sophisticated, cross-border matters from an early stage.

The group is led by an award-winning partner consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers, supported by a highly regarded team of specialist lawyers known for their collaborative and supportive approach. It is an environment where you can learn from genuine market leaders, deepen your technical expertise, and accelerate your development alongside high-calibre colleagues.

This is a platform that provides genuine scope to build long-term client relationships, strengthen your market profile and play a meaningful role in the continued growth of a highly regarded practice.

The Role

You will advise on a broad range of aviation finance matters, including aircraft and engine acquisitions, operating and finance leases, sale and leasebacks, PDP financings, restructurings, portfolio transactions, and complex cross-border financings such as export credit-backed and JOLCO deals.

You will also be involved in drafting, negotiating and reviewing a broad range of aviation finance documentation, including purchase contracts, lease agreements, security documents and restructuring arrangements. The role offers further exposure to complex lease restructurings, COVID-related financing workouts, and settlements arising from technical and regulatory issues, including matters linked to the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner. Broader experience will include corporate and private jet financings, trade receivables, securitisations and warehouse facilities.

As an Associate, you will play a key role within a busy, high-performing and collaborative team. You will work closely with partners and senior lawyers on complex matters, while also being given the support and autonomy to develop your own client relationships and contribute to the team's continued growth.

The firm places a strong emphasis on continuous development and long-term progression through its structured Associate development programme. You will be encouraged to take on responsibility, lead on matters, contribute to business development initiatives and support the supervision and development of junior lawyers - all within a genuinely supportive environment.

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor with 2 - 5 years' PQE and strong asset finance experience
• Aviation finance experience, or strong interest in the sector
• Experience advising lenders and borrower clients on finance and leasing matters
• Confidence handling high-value and multi-jurisdictional matters
• Commercial mindset with interest in business development and client relationships
• Motivated by growth, progression and new ideas

With increasing client demand and continued team growth, this is an exciting opportunity to play a central role within a growing Aviation Finance practice.

Alongside major, high-value transactions, you will also gain exposure to a broad mix of smaller matters -offering an excellent platform for associates to take ownership, build confidence and accelerate their development.

Apply now for immediate consideration or contact JMC Legal Recruitment for a confidential conversation.