Richard Sharman, an asset finance attorney who focuses mainly on aircraft and transportation assets, has joined Holland & Knight’s London office as a partner. He handles complex, highly structured asset finance and corporate transactions on behalf of financial institutions, leasing companies, operators, arrangers and investors. He was previously a partner at Bird & Bird in London, where he was head of the firm’s asset finance practice.
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Richard to our team,” said Phillip Durham, head of Holland & Knight’s Asset Finance Practice. “Given the rapid expansion of alternative financiers in the aviation sector, Richard brings a cutting-edge practice that complements and adds an extra dimension to our traditional aviation lending practice.”
“Richard has one of the leading asset finance practices in the United Kingdom and is highly regarded by his clients and peers,” said Robert Ricketts, executive partner of Holland & Knight’s London office. “We look forward to offering both our existing and new aviation clients an expanded set of services that’s truly unrivaled in the market.”
Mr. Sharman assists clients with highly structured transactions, including establishing equity/debt funds and co-investment platforms, joint ventures, conventional debt and Islamic financings, structured operating leases, bespoke securitizations, re-packs and debt trades. He is also well versed in cross-border leasing and asset portfolio transactions. Over the years he has worked on multiple award-winning, first-of-kind deals. Mr. Sharman is consistently recognized as a leading asset finance attorney by Chambers UK and Legal 500.
“In addition to the strong team in London, Holland & Knight has impressive international capabilities, including an extensive network of transportation finance, policy, regulation and litigation attorneys in the U.S. and Latin America,” said Mr. Sharman. “The firm has assembled a formidable global team with individuals who are leading the way, especially in the aviation finance space. I’ve often noted their work for high-profile clients and I’m proud to be joining their ranks.”
Attorneys in Holland & Knight’s London office primarily focus on aircraft finance and leasing in tandem with strengths in maritime finance and ancillary aviation capabilities. Holland & Knight is currently recognized among the top law firms in the aviation and aviation finance categories in the Chambers UK, Global and U.S. guides, as well as the Legal 500 UK and U.S. guides.
