Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP’s Global Transport Practice, Aviation, Litigation and Reinsurance Partners Recognized in Chambers UK 2027 Guide

Firm News

October 27, 2026

LONDON, U.K. (October 27, 2026) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is pleased to announce the Firm’s 2027 Chambers UK rankings. The prestigious legal guide, published annually by London–based Chambers & Partners, identifies leading lawyers and law firm practices based on interviews conducted by Chambers researchers with thousands of attorneys and their clients.

Chambers has recognized leading lawyers in all of our London practice areas reflecting the immediate success of the Firm’s investment in the UK market.

The Firm’s Global Transport (Aviation) Practice was recognized in Band 4 of the Asset Finance: Aviation Finance category (UK-wide), Partner Adrian Beasley was ranked in Band 3 in the Asset Finance: Aviation Finance category (UK-wide) and Partner Ben Graham-Evans was ranked in Band 4 in the Asset Finance: Aviation Finance category (UK-wide).

In our new London Disputes practice areas, Partner Simon Kilgour was ranked in Band 3 in the Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance category (UK-wide) and Partner Patrick Swain was ranked in Band 1 in the Commercial & Corporate Litigation category (London).

SGR’s Global Transport (Aviation) practice has served as external general legal counsel and represented several airlines, both passenger and cargo, in virtually all aspects of their business. During more recent years, the Global Transport Group has greatly broadened its bandwidth, geographic coverage and, most importantly, its industry representation to include several additional airlines situated in various parts of the world, operating lessors, export credit agencies, financiers, aviation equipment owners, managers and investors, aviation joint ventures and joint venture partners, maintenance repair and overhaul facilities and aircraft teardown/part-out companies. The guide notes, “The team are very industry-aware, pragmatic and proactive. They are great to deal with.”

Adrian Beasley is a partner in the firm’s London office and a member of the firm’s Global Transport Practice where he advises clients on international asset finance and leasing transactions, with a particular emphasis on the aviation industry. Adrian’s in-depth knowledge of transactions involving commercial aircraft includes ECA-supported financings, sale and leaseback transactions, operating leases, aircraft sales and acquisitions, pre-delivery payment financings and tax-based leasing structures, as well as commercial lending arrangements and restructurings. The guide notes, “Adrian is exemplary in terms of a deep knowledge of the industry.”

Ben Graham-Evans is the London office Managing Partner and co-founder of the firm’s UK business with over 20 years of industry experience primarily helping international clients in the aviation finance, trading and leasing sector. Ben is known for his no-nonsense commercial focus deploying legal skills to transact, negotiate and advise as required to get deals done. He has grown a significant legal team over the past decade with the hallmarks of collaboration towards an industry focused alignment and approach. The guide notes, “Ben ensures we get what we need from our counsel for easy deals and difficult deals alike.”

Simon Kilgour is a partner in the firm’s London office in the Litigation and Insurance/Reinsurance Practice Groups. He represents reinsurers in high-stakes, complex claims and navigates non-standard coverage disputes and market challenges. He regularly advises reinsurers, brokers, and corporate insureds on a wide variety of non-contentious insurance matters. He supports clients across numerous lines of business, including casualty, contingency, life, credit, and specialty insurance, as well as in insurance due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. The guide notes, “Simon is always commercially aware and proactive.”

Patrick Swain is a partner in the firm’s London office and leader of the Commercial Litigation team in London. Patrick’s practice focuses on complex commercial disputes, including M&A-related and shareholder disputes, commercial fraud claims, professional negligence litigation, insurance litigation, contentious insolvency matters, and disputes involving the Art, Entertainment, and Sports sectors. With extensive international experience, Patrick has practiced in London, New York, and Hong Kong, advising clients on high-profile, cross-border disputes. The guide notes “Patrick is a class litigator.”

About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is a full-service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s more than 400 professionals provide legal counsel in more than 50 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, insurance/reinsurance, construction, employment law, international, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, Smith Gambrell has 15 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Houston; Jacksonville; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Milan; Munich; New York; Southampton; Tampa; and Washington, D.C.