Smith, Gambrell & Russell Welcomes Partner Matthew Leigh, Growing the Firm’s London Global Transport Practice

ATLANTA (January 21, 2021) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the addition of Partner Matthew Leigh to the firm’s Global Transport Practice in London effective January 25, 2021. He joins SGR from Hogan Lovells where he was a member of the Corporate & Finance Practice. With extensive experience in aviation finance, Matthew grows the firm’s UK office.

Matthew focuses on structured asset finance and leasing, acting on behalf of banks, financial institutions, lessors, and operators in a range of jurisdictions. He has substantial experience with big-ticket cross border transactions, with a particular focus within the aviation industry. Matthew has advised on a wide range of financings and restructurings, including pre-delivery, export credit-supported and tax based structures, in addition to domestic and cross-border sales of individual aircraft and portfolios. During the course of his legal career, he has developed a strong client base having represented many of the industry's leading banks and lessors on some of their most complex transactions undertaken in the Asia Pacific region. Matthew regularly advises on award-winning deals and is recognized as a leading lawyer in aviation finance by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.

SGR Chairman and Managing Partner Stephen Forte commented, “We are very pleased to welcome Matt to the firm. He has substantial experience structuring complex international finance transactions, particularly in the aviation sector, that will significantly expand SGR’s capabilities in London and throughout the firm.”

Ben Graham-Evans, Partner in SGR’s Global Transport Practice and Head of SGR’s London office added, “The addition of Matt to the Global Transport team represents a key development in the growth of our UK practice, which continues to expand steadily to meet known and anticipated client demands and respond to ever-changing market opportunities.”