Department profile
Clifford Chance LLP

Transportation: Aviation: Finance

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Clifford Chance LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Aviation: Finance - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Clifford Chance is a distinguished aviation finance practice with extensive experience working on aviation capital markets transactions, securitizations, ECA financing and leasing matters. The firm frequently handles EETCs and acquisition financings. The team represents significant clients including government authorities, investment banks and operating lessors. It is able to draw upon resources of the wider firm for tax and corporate expertise.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance advised Deutsche Bank on its acquisition of a substantial portion of NordLB's aviation finance loan portfolio.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance has innovative and creative legal advisers.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • The law firm is always patient with its clients and provides efficient advice and spot on knowledge in a timely manner. It really put its clients’ interest as the top priority.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • The law firm is top notch at being aware of new concepts or issues in the market.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • Clifford Chance is one of the most experienced firms in aviation finance and offers the highest quality service in jurisdictions all over the world. The firm has been an integral part of developing our precedents and guiding us through difficult matters.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • The team works quickly, grasping key legal, commercial and structural features during a negotiation.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John P Howitt
    John P Howitt

    John P Howitt

    John Howitt is a seasoned practitioner who continues to be highly regarded in this space, with a wealth of experience leading financing transactions, including securitizations, as well as handling complex loan restructurings.

    • John is one of the best in the industry.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA
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  • Zarrar Sehgal
    Zarrar Sehgal

    Zarrar Sehgal

    Zarrar Sehgal is one of the foremost experts in issues such as EETCs and structured finance.

    • Zarrar is very experienced, sophisticated and flexible in terms of providing viable solutions. He can think outside the box, which we appreciate very much.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • He can always get immediately to the heart of matters and discussion.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • Zarrar is a stellar partner with a depth of knowledge and experience to help clients understand and navigate complex issues while structuring and negotiating deals.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA
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  • Emily C Wicker
    Emily C Wicker

    Emily C Wicker

    Emily Wicker regularly leads significant aircraft leasing agreements, including AFIC and EETC transactions.

    • She is a solution-finder and makes sure to complete a deal with the best outcome.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • Emily is a breath of fresh air with her punchy, concise and practical advice.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • In addition to her technical mastery, Emily has become a key adviser to the group due to her sophisticated commercial understanding of our business and industry.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA
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  • Patrick O'Reilly
    Patrick O'Reilly

    Patrick O'Reilly

    Patrick O'Reilly has a solid practice that includes working on financing and operating leases.

    • He is a great lawyer to work with.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • Patrick consistently provides excellent service at the highest level and works extremely well under demanding timelines.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Clifford Chance LLP (4)

USA - Nationwide

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