Donald G. Gray, an internationally recognized lawyer in aviation law, has joined Holland & Knight's Miami office as an of counsel. Previously, Mr. Gray led Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP's top-tier Aviation & Aerospace group for more than 12 years.
"With a career that includes many global accolades and notable accomplishments, Donald has earned a tremendous reputation in the international aviation industry," said Phillip Durham, leader of Holland & Knight's Asset Finance Group. "Donald could have continued his career at a number of law firms, but we are extremely gratified that he chose to bring his experience and relationships to Holland & Knight and Miami, home to one of our largest offices."
"South Florida is quickly becoming a worldwide hub for the aviation industry, with notable clients like AerCap recently opening its new U.S. headquarters in Miami," Mr. Durham continued. "Our goal is to increase our team's presence in this important region, while maintaining our strength on the East and West Coasts, as well as in the U.K. through our London office."
Mr. Gray advises most of the world's leading aircraft lessors, financiers and manufacturers, and several domestic and international airlines and aircraft operators, on aircraft finance and aviation and aerospace commercial and regulatory law matters. He has advised on the financing or refinancing of more than 900 aircraft over the past 15 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Gray has also represented and held a leading role on behalf of financiers during significant airline enforcement and bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, Mr. Gray has advised on numerous international aviation mergers and acquisitions transactions.
While Mr. Gray is not admitted to practice in Florida, he will be an essential strategic advisor to aviation clients given his background and experience.
"Holland & Knight has been a prestigious and market-leading firm on the international stage in the area of asset finance for some time," said Mr. Gray. "I have shared a large number of aviation client relationships with them for many years, and I look forward to using my extensive experience in aerospace finance, aviation commercial law, airline risk management and aviation public policy to serve Holland & Knight's global aviation clients."
Mr. Gray is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer in his practice areas by Chambers Global, The Best Lawyers in Canada, The Legal 500 Canada, Chambers Canada, IFLR 1000 and Who's Who Legal. He earned a B.A. degree from the University of Western Ontario and an LL.B degree from the University of Windsor.
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