Holland & Knight Attorney Laura Lewis has been selected as a 2020 "Rising Star" by Airfinance Journal. The trade publication identifies "Rising Stars" each year by asking readers around the globe to nominate promising young attorneys whom they feel best serve the aviation industry.
Ms. Lewis, an associate in the firm's New York office, regularly counsels clients on some of the most complex transactions in the industry. She advises leasing companies and financial institutions, as well as airlines, on the purchase, sale, lease, novation, interchanges, secured and unsecured financing (including pre-delivery payment financing) and securitization of commercial and business aircraft, engines and parts.
"Laura is an immensely talented lawyer. Her intellect, service orientation and calm-under-fire approach has led her to become a key advisor for many of our most valued clients. We're extremely fortunate to have her on our team," said Phillip Durham, leader of Holland & Knight's Asset Finance Group.
Additionally, Ms. Lewis undertook a 15-month secondment with the Norwalk, Connecticut, office of GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) between January 2019 and March 2020. In this unique position, she advised on a range of aviation matters including operating leases, deliveries and original equipment manufacturer purchase agreements. She worked alongside the marketing, technical, insurance, tax and risk functions, gaining a deeper knowledge of aviation and the commercial side of the industry.
"Laura Lewis is an exceptionally gifted attorney who is keenly responsive to her clients," said Joseph Esposito, senior vice president and associate general counsel of GECAS. "She has great technical, legal skills and also provides strategic, practical legal advice which is instrumental in executing commercial transactions."
Ms. Lewis is an active participant in industry events, including the Airline Economics conference in Dublin, Tri-STAT and the International Aviation Women Association's (IAWA) events and conferences. She also serves as a member of the Aeronautics Committee of the New York City Bar and the Forum on Air & Space Law of the American Bar Association.
Ms. Lewis is the ninth Holland & Knight attorney to be named an Airfinance Journal "Rising Star."