K&L Gates Further Enhances Aviation Finance Practice with Addition of New York, Miami Partner Pair

New York and Miami - Global law firm K&L Gates LLP welcomes Elizabeth H. Evans and Marie-Pierre Grondin in the New York and Miami offices, respectively, as partners in its aviation practice. Both join the firm from Reed Smith LLP.

Evans has nearly 30 years of experience representing financial institutions, investors, export agencies, and leasing companies  on aviation, project, and satellite finance; equipment leasing; and related transactional and compliance matters, including private debt and equity placements, structured finance arrangements, asset-based financings, leveraged leasing, bankruptcy matters, privatizations, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance. She also advises a variety of clients regarding commercial space law, including joint ventures, capital raises, and related space regulatory matters.

Grondin focuses her practice on aviation finance, matters of space law and transactional matters such as whole aircraft and engine purchases and financing; engine and equipment leasing; maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts; liability risk analysis; company credit facilities; and general corporate and compliance matters. She previously served as a vice president and general counsel for a diverse aviation, leasing, and MRO company and its subsidiaries, where she was responsible for all legal aspects of the company’s global operations.

Evans commented: “As Marie-Pierre and I have looked to carry our practice to the next level, we were excited by K&L Gates’ global platform and globally-ranked aviation finance practice, which provides the opportunity not only an to expand the services we currently offer our clients but also to work with an accomplished and well-regarded team of professionals.”

“We’re delighted to add Liz and Marie-Pierre to our global aviation team,” said Tokyo partner Robert E. Melson, Jr., a leader of both K&L Gates’ global finance practice area and aviation practice. “Their addition immediately augments K&L Gates’ already-strong bench of aviation finance partners worldwide, and their knowledge and experience will allow us to continue to grow our aviation practice in both key regions and capacities.”

K&L Gates’ highly regarded aviation practice encompasses virtually all aspects of aviation law, including aircraft finance and leasing, airlines and charter operators, corporate and general aviation, airports and infrastructure, manufacturers and suppliers, tax, and unmanned aircraft systems. With the addition of Evans and Grondin, K&L Gates’ global aviation team is now comprised of over 20 partners and counsel who are supported by a host of associates and legal assistants. The team represent a wide variety of clients on diverse local, regional, domestic, and global matters throughout the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.