Department profile
Pillsbury

Transportation: Aviation: Finance

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Pillsbury

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Aviation: Finance - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Pillsbury is experienced in debt financing, leasing, aerospace procurements and corporate transactions in the aviation industry. Its clients include USA-based and international airlines, liquidity providers and rating agencies. Its areas of expertise include ECA financings and cross-border leasings. The firm also offers services related to lease portfolio securitizations.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Pillsbury continues to act as restructuring counsel to AerCap in anticipation of Chapter 11 filing and creditor’s counsel in Azul’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The law firm is balanced between legal concerns and commercial practicalities.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • The law firm is very proactive and always available to provide legal guidance and advice, including on complex structures and for more challenging situations.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • Pillsbury did a phenomenal job. Its an extraordinarily knowledgeable team that is very creative on transactions. It knows the aviation finance market really well.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • Its guidance was always delivered in a calm, measured and commercial manner.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

  • The Pillsbury team understands that our most precious resource is time.

    Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Mark N Lessard
    Mark N Lessard

    Mark N Lessard

    Mark Lessard has a highly acclaimed practice which sees him advise on acquisitions, fund formation and capital markets transactions.

    • A practical and solutions-orientated lawyer who is a trusted adviser to lender clients and provides strong advice to navigate issues that arise on transactions.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • He does not let his ego get in the way of getting to a good solution, compromise or getting work done. He is a pleasure to work with.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • One of the best aviation finance lawyers out there. Mark knows the market, is great with clients and is a pleasure to work with.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA
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  • Melissa Jones-Prus
    Melissa Jones-Prus

    Melissa Jones-Prus

    Melissa Jones-Prus has a broad practice, acting for lenders in a full range of aviation finance deals.

    • Melissa is that rare aviation law partner that has leadership expertise, commercial skills and empathy.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • She's the best counsel I've worked with. Knowledgeable and precise, always delivers promptly, communicates thoroughly and is a leader in the field.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA

    • Melissa is our go to for everything as she understands the full gamut of our business and approaches engagements with a high degree of service and interest in our business.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Pillsbury (2)

USA - Nationwide

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