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- Tasks: Join our Aviation Finance team to support high-value aircraft transactions and client relationships.
- Company: Clyde & Co is a global leader in aviation law, with a collaborative and diverse culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy tailored benefits, healthcare, retirement planning, and opportunities for international secondments.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a unique sector, working on complex deals from day one.
- Qualifications: Up to 5 years’ PQE in aviation finance or related fields; strong communication and drafting skills required.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Department : Aviation Finance
Location : London
Role : Permanent
We are seeking talented and driven Associates with up to 5 years’ post-qualification experience to join our globally recognised Aviation Finance team in London. This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the heart of the firm’s market-leading aviation practice, advising on some of the most sophisticated and high-value transactions in the sector.
The Team
Our Aviation Finance team sits at the centre of the firm’s global aviation offering, with core hubs in London, New York and Dubai. We are widely recognised as the world’s leading legal team in this space, advising on the full spectrum of aircraft transactions – from commercial aircraft and business jets to engines and helicopters. Our clients include the world’s largest airlines, leasing companies, financial institutions and investors, and we are regularly instructed on complex, cross-border deals involving cutting-edge financing structures and major fleet acquisitions.
What sets us apart is the scale and sophistication of our work. Associates are immersed in live transactions from day one, supporting on new aircraft deliveries, sale and leasebacks, and financings. You’ll work closely with senior lawyers on negotiations, manage documentation, and help coordinate closings across multiple time zones. You’ll also gain exposure to the commercial drivers behind aviation deals and build relationships with clients who are shaping the future of global air travel.
What makes our practice truly unique is that it forms part of a fully integrated global aviation group, covering the entire spectrum of aviation law – from finance and leasing to regulation, disputes, tax, liability and commercial matters. This breadth gives our lawyers a 360-degree view of the industry and enables us to deliver seamless, strategic aviation-specific advice across jurisdictions and disciplines.
The Role
Role
You will support on a wide range of transactional, finance and leasing matters with our aviation clients, including commercial airlines and business jets. You will play a key role in advising on a wide range of cross-border aircraft finance and leasing transactions, including:
- Operating and finance leases, JOLCOs, PDP financings, and sale and leasebacks
- Debt financing transactions
- Portfolio acquisitions and disposals
- Restructurings, novations, and repossessions
- Export credit and tax-driven structures
You will be expected to take ownership of workstreams, lead on drafting and negotiation of transaction documents, and manage client relationships with increasing autonomy depending on experience. There may also be opportunities to support on contentious matters, including high-value aviation disputes such as lease enforcement and commercial litigation. You will also contribute to business development initiatives and knowledge sharing within the team.
What We’re Looking For
- Up to 5 years’ PQE with strong experience in aviation finance or a closely related asset finance practice are preferred but experience in other areas of finance or related disciplines such as corporate will be considered
- Demonstrated ability to lead on drafting and negotiation of key documents
- Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service and business development
- Strong academic background and excellent communication skills
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to mentor trainees and junior team members
- Qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales or another relevant jurisdiction
Why Join Us
Our Aviation Finance team offers an exceptional platform for ambitious lawyers to thrive. As part of the firm’s fully integrated global aviation practice, you’ll be immersed in the aviation sector in a way that few other finance teams can offer. This unique positioning gives our associates a deeper understanding of the commercial and regulatory context in which our clients operate – enhancing the quality and relevance of the advice we provide.
You’ll work alongside leading partners and senior lawyers on headline transactions, with direct access to clients and the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility from day one. We offer a collaborative, high-performance environment where associates are supported to grow – professionally, commercially, and personally. With opportunities for international secondments, cross-border deal experience, and a clear path for progression, this is a role that will challenge and reward in equal measure.
When you work at Clyde & Co, you join a team of 490 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. Our values are the principles that guide the decisions we make, unite us in our endeavours and strengthen our delivery, for both our clients and our firm. We work as one, excel with clients, celebrate difference and act boldly. We are committed to operating in a responsible way by progressing towards a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities and clients it serves. We are devoted to providing an environment in which everyone can realise their potential, using its legal and professional skills to support its communities. We do this through pro bono work, volunteering and charitable partnerships, and minimising the impact it has on the environment, including through our commitment to the SBTi Net-Zero standard and the setting of ambitious emissions reduction targets.
We offer a range of tailored benefits and support, including healthcare, retirement planning and wellbeing initiatives.
Clyde & Co is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our core values encourage us to support fairness, celebrate diversity and prohibit all forms of discrimination in the workplace to allow everyone to excel at work. Therefore, we welcome and encourage all applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background or identity.
Please take a moment to read our privacy notice carefully. This describes what personal information Clyde & Co (we) may hold about you, what it’s used for, how it’s obtained, your rights and how to contact us as a data subject.
If you are submitting a candidate as a Recruitment Agency Partner, it is an essential requirement and your responsibility to ensure that candidates applying to Clyde & Co are aware of this privacy notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate (Aviation Finance) employer: Starr Underwriting
Contact Detail:
Starr Underwriting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate (Aviation Finance)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and developments in aviation finance. Understanding the current market dynamics and key players will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aviation finance sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific transactions or cases you've worked on that relate to aviation finance. Being able to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative mindset by highlighting experiences where you've successfully worked in teams. The role requires a strong team player, so emphasising your ability to mentor and support others will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate (Aviation Finance)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in aviation finance or closely related asset finance practices. Emphasise any specific transactions you've worked on, particularly those involving cross-border deals or complex financing structures.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Mention your understanding of the aviation finance sector and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be sure to include examples of your commercial awareness and proactive client service approach.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, consider including a section in your application that demonstrates your ability to convey complex information clearly. This could be through previous roles where you managed client relationships or led negotiations.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Given the emphasis on teamwork in the job description, mention any experiences where you collaborated with others, mentored junior team members, or contributed to business development initiatives. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starr Underwriting
✨Understand the Aviation Finance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the key players and trends in aviation finance. Knowing about major airlines, leasing companies, and recent high-value transactions will show your genuine interest and understanding of the sector.
✨Demonstrate Your Transactional Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with aircraft transactions, such as operating leases or debt financing. This will help illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves managing client relationships and negotiating documents, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider mock interviews to refine your communication style and ensure you can convey complex information effectively.
✨Exhibit a Collaborative Mindset
The firm values teamwork and mentoring. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the past and how you can contribute to a supportive environment for junior team members.
