Description:

We're looking for a new Associate Counsel to join An Aviation Consultant in San Francisco, California, a global aviation lessor providing aircraft and capital to the world's airlines. You will provide legal support primarily in connection with negotiating the business's external financing arrangements. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills and an ability to identify and manage complex issues, flexibility and thrive in a team environment. You should have at least 3-5 years' experience as a practicing attorney in an aircraft leasing company or major law firm specializing in corporate finance, aircraft or other asset leasing.

Reporting Relationships:
Reports to the Head of Legal – Finance and Corporate.

Summary of Job Description
Associate Counsel is a corporate lawyer that provides legal support primarily in connection with negotiating the business's external financing arrangements and assisting on corporate governance projects. The Associate Counsel will work closely with the corporate finance, tax and accounting teams. The role will also involve supporting other aspects of a dynamic aircraft leasing business on an as-needed basis, which may include: the structuring, negotiation and closing of aircraft purchase, sales and leasing transactions, the restructuring of existing transactions, and managing the repossession of aircraft. Associate Counsel will interact with lenders and potential lenders, customers, suppliers and external counsel. This role may require periodic business travel.

Essential Job Functions:

The drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts (including financing documents, corporate documents, aircraft sale and purchase agreements, operating leases, aircraft storage and technical documents, etc.)
Consulting with, taking advice from and management of outside legal counsel on matters relating to all aspects of the business
Supporting the Tax, Corporate Finance, Contracts, Accounting and other Departments in their administration of existing transactions and business and structuring of future transactions and business
Representing the Company in connection with disputes and the enforcement of its rights (where appropriate, with the support of external counsel)

Qualifications and Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel: Occasional Business Travel Required.

Education & Experience: Juris Doctor degree or equivalent; 3-5 years' experience as a practicing attorney in an aircraft leasing company and/or major law firm specializing in corporate finance and/or aircraft and/or other asset leasing and/or finance; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Experience negotiating and interpreting complex financing agreements, including secured and unsecured credit agreements, unsecured notes, and other financial instruments.
Must have good legal drafting skills.
Must have strong negotiation skills and an ability to identify and manage complex issues.
Must be able to effectively communicate (both orally and in writing) with colleagues, customers and vendors.
Commitment to excellence and high standards.
Versatility, flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
Must be able to work within a team environment, sometimes as team leader, and others as a team participant.
Experience in the aircraft finance/leasing industry desirable but not required.