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Rachel Thomasen
Partner / LondonRachel is a Partner in the Corporate Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP and a member of the Firm’s Global Transport Practice.
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Full Bio
Rachel has extensive experience acting for lessors and financiers (debt and equity) on cross-border asset finance and leasing transactions, including full and limited recourse operating lease financings, export credit financings, portfolio acquisitions, sale and leaseback transactions, tax leases, finance leases, operating leases, restructurings and aircraft repossession. Prior to joining SGR, she served as a Senior Associate at Clifford Chance, working out of the London and Hong Kong offices. Previous to that, Rachel practiced with other law firms in London, Singapore, and Paris. Additionally, she has completed secondments in Dublin with Avolon and Milestone Aviation.
Rachel completed her Legal Practice Course, with distinction, at College of Law, Moorgate and holds a degree in Law from Downing College, University of Cambridge, which included a year studying French law at the University of Poitiers, France.
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Representative Experience
- Advising the world’s largest regional aircraft lessor on its debt restructuring implemented through a pre-arranged U.S. chapter 11 process. Winner of “Overall Deal of the Year” at the Airfinance Journal Awards 2022.
- Advising a syndicate of lenders in connection with Avolon’s US$660m commercial secured loan facility for 17 aircraft. Winner of “Bank Loan Deal of the Year” at the Airfinance Journal Awards 2022.
- Advising an international bank in connection with the sale of the upside rights in respect of four A380 aircraft on lease to Emirates.
- Advising a regional aircraft lessor on an E-Jet Passenger to Freight (P2F) conversion agreement with Embraer.
- Advising multiple lessors and financiers (debt and equity) in connection with airline U.S. chapter 11 proceedings.
- Advising on the creation of a Hong Kong-based leasing platform, a joint venture between a Japanese bank and a PRC insurance company.
- Advising various leading aircraft leasing companies in connection with financing transactions, aircraft leases and portfolio sales and acquisitions.
- Advising a leading Irish-based leasing company in connection with the world’s first operating lease through the Global Aircraft Trading System (GATS).
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Bar Admissions
England
Wales -
Education
Undergraduate- University of Cambridge
Law School- College of Law, Moorgate
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Languages
English, French, German -
Recognitions
Named a Rising Star in Aviation in 2021 and 2022 by Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides -
SGR Publications
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Press
- Smith Gambrell’s Global Transport Practice and Attorneys Recognized by The Legal 500 UK 2026
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Welcomes William Cusack to London Office
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Elects Eight Attorneys to Firm Partnership, Representing Four Offices and Eight Practice Areas
- Smith Gambrell Russell’s Global Transport Practice and Partners Recognized Among the Best by Chambers UK and The Legal 500 UK for 2024
- Smith Gambrell Russell Further Expands UK Global Transport Practice with Hire of Aviation Finance Attorney Rachel Thomasen