Berwin Leighton Paisner flying high with recruitment of leading aviation lawyer John Baker

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP (BLP) today announced that John Baker, leading lawyer with extensive experience in the aviation and aerospace industries, has joined the firm as Director of the Aviation Industry Group, a new role that reflects the firm's growing strength in the sector.

Formerly Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Air Canada, John has had a wide array of aviation-focused experience including co-ordinating the successful defence to a hostile takeover bid for Air Canada, managing the internal and external legal resources in the Air Canada restructuring (the largest corporate restructuring in Canadian history) and representing the airline in the establishment of the Star Alliance. He has been named one of the top 25 General Counsel in Canada.

John has additionally extensive experience in both Europe and North America in mergers and acquisitions, commercial negotiations, corporate reorganizations and restructurings, competition and anti-trust law, administrative and human resources law, major litigation management, government relations and corporate governance.

He will head up BLP's Aviation Industry Group focusing on important issues confronting airlines, airports, aircraft lessors, banks, suppliers and manufacturers. The Group comprises nine Partners and more than 25 Associates including:

• David Anderson - EU and Competition Law
• Tom Budgett - Asset Finance
• Rebecca Harding-Hill - Employment Law
• David Harrison - EU and Competition Law
• Mark Lewis - Outsourcing
• Adrian Magnus - Airport Services
• Michael Renouf - EU Regulatory and Environmental Law
• Ian Trehearne - Airport Projects, Planning and Infrastructure
• Andrew Waite - Environmental Law

Simon Allan, BLP's Head of Finance, said: “John's extensive experience will add to BLP's already strong position in the aviation industry. BLP is committed to developing further its aviation practice and John will play an important role in the team. We are uniquely well placed to deliver to aviation clients the international approach that they require. Our international focus and scope reflects the success of working with the best independent legal advisors in jurisdictions around the world. This approach enables us to maintain flexibility and quality service for our clients.”

John said: “BLP has a top tier corporate, commercial, finance and regulatory practice and a growing reputation in aviation. This is a very exciting time to be joining the firm and I look forward to building on the recent successes of the Aviation Industry Group. It is a tremendous opportunity not only to augment my aviation experience but also to expand the scope of the firm's practice in all facets of the aviation sector. BLP's open and supportive culture enables sector groups such as ours to deliver real value to its clients.”

If you require further information, please contact our PR Manager at press@blplaw.com.