LONDON, U.K. – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is pleased to announce the Firm’s 2026 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.
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 Simon Kilgour was ranked in Band 3 in the Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance category (UK-wide).
Smith Gambrell’s Global Transport (Aviation) practice has served as external general legal counsel and represents various leasing companies and several airlines, both passenger and cargo, as well as many other industry participants, 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 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.
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’s approach is refreshing and he brings a wealth of experience and commercial awareness to transactions.”
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. Simon’s arrival expanded the firm’s Dispute Resolution Practice to the UK earlier this year. The guide notes, “Simon is an experienced London market lawyer with great international contacts. He understands what commercial insurers want and need from their counsel.”
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 nearly 350 attorneys 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 14 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Jacksonville; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Milan; Munich; New York; Southampton; Tampa; and Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit: https://www.sgrlaw.com/