Holland & Knight is pleased to announce that Phillip Durham has been named practice group leader of the firm's Asset Finance Group.

"Phil is a natural fit as leader of our Asset Finance Group," said James McDermott, leader of Holland & Knight's Business Section. "His reputation in the industry is unsurpassed, and he brings a wealth of experience and demonstrated leadership to guide our team in the ever-changing global financial market."

Mr. Durham focuses his practice on domestic and cross-border asset financing, leasing, acquisitions, sales and securitizations, with a particular emphasis on global aviation and equipment finance. He is recognized as one of the country's leading asset finance lawyers in every major legal guide.

In addition to being the prior chairman of the American Bar Association's (ABA) Aircraft Financing Subcommittee, Mr. Durham is a current member of the executive committee of the Legal Advisory Panel of the Aviation Working Group and is the secretary general of the Mining, Agricultural & Construction Equipment (MAC) Working Group. His recent speaking engagements include the Cape Town Convention Academic Project Annual Conference at Oxford University and UNIDROIT International Law Conferences in Beijing and Nairobi, Kenya.

Drawing from a wealth of technical knowledge and industry experience, the Asset Finance Group advises clients on a variety of debt, equity and hybrid financing structures. The group represents a broad range of clients, including banks, financiers, lessors, manufacturers, borrowers, airlines, high-net-worth individuals, corporate jet owners, vessel owners and operators, export credit agencies and other government organizations.

The practice provides comprehensive counsel for a full range of matters, including securitization transactions for all classes of assets, equipment leasing with a concentration in the transportation industry, and sophisticated finance transactions involving aircraft, vessel, rail and other equipment worldwide.

The Asset Finance Group has a deep and experienced team with more than 60 attorneys, primarily based in offices located in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and London.