About Me

I am joint head of our international Aviation & Aerospace sector group and I lead our practice in Asia-Pacific from Singapore.

I'm privileged to lead a team of excellent dedicated lawyers in Asia-Pacific focused on aviation work, acting for a broad range of very exciting clients.

Our clients include airlines, lessors, financial institutions and other leading aviation industry businesses. Having been immersed in the industry for many years and in a number of jurisdictions, our team really understands the issues our clients face, whoever and wherever they are.

Almost all of our work has an international element and usually involves complex cross-border issues. In recent years we've worked on transactions and projects right across Asia-Pacific including in Singapore, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Korea, Australia, Vietnam and Myanmar. Accordingly we regularly work closely with our expert colleagues across the Bird & Bird network as well as brilliant and responsive lawyers in other law firms.

With every client engagement, it is vital to give sound commercial advice and support in a cost-effective manner. Having worked in-house myself in the past, I am acutely aware of what advice adds real value to our clients and how it is most usefully presented. We always strive to focus on solutions and to engage with our clients' counterparties and their lawyers in a constructive and sensible manner.

Before joining Bird & Bird, I spent a few wonderful years at Virgin Atlantic in London where I was responsible for all the aircraft finance and leasing transactions as well as issues relating to maintenance and technical contracts. I also advised on numerous strategic commercial matters and carry this experience with me in the work I do now.

I have always had a genuine passion for the aviation industry and consider myself very fortunate to be able to play a role in its continued growth and success - especially in such an exciting area of the world!
Education

Studied

  • Bachelor of Arts in Law & Politics

Admissions

  • Admitted as a Solicitor in England & Wales in 1998
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Testimonials

Recognised under Band 3 for Aviation Finance, Chambers describes Leo as someone who 'advises airlines, lessors and lenders on a diverse range of transactions within the aviation finance sphere, with notable expertise in tax and engine leasing as well as debt financing.'

Chambers Asia Pacific, 2022

Recommended for Asset Finance, A client describes Leo as someone who 'has a great appreciation of the commercial considerations in a deal and is able to provide succinct advice tailored to the circumstances each time. He is a real pleasure to work with.'

Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2022

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