What's Happening?
Baker Botts has announced the addition of Zahra Knapper Al-Bahrani as a partner in its corporate practice, based in Dubai. Knapper, who joins from White & Case, brings extensive experience in advising airlines, lessors, banks, funds, and export credit agencies on complex cross-border financings and structured transactions within the aviation sector. Her expertise includes leading high-value transactions such as ECA-backed aircraft financings, portfolio acquisitions, JOLCO structures, restructurings, leasing, and aviation-related mergers and acquisitions. Accompanying her are Senior Associate Rishi Raheja and Associate Torridon Linskaill, both based in London.
Why It's Important?
The addition of Knapper and her team to Baker Botts signifies a strategic expansion of the firm's capabilities in the aviation finance sector, particularly in the Middle East. This move is likely to enhance Baker Botts' competitive edge in handling complex aviation finance transactions, a sector that is crucial for global trade and transportation. The expertise brought by Knapper and her team could attract more clients seeking specialized legal services in aviation finance, potentially increasing the firm's market share and influence in this niche area.
