Associate (Aviation)

WithersWorldwide

Practice Group: Aviation

Job title: Associate

Location: Hong Kong

About WithersWorldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration

For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives.

We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes.

Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future.

To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones.

We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first.

Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an outstanding and high-potential New York-qualified Associate to join our globally top-flight aviation team based in the firm's Hong Kong office. The ideal candidate need not have any experience in aviation at all, but nonetheless have excellent technical, drafting and commercial skills, with stellar client service ethic and drive, who takes initiative and works well in a small high-performance team. A strong academic background and intellectual curiosity is essential, as the role will involve significant client contact from the outset. In addition to very high work standards, we are looking above all for strong interpersonal skills, an ambitious, commercial approach and a commitment to excellence. During the work week, the role is demanding and fast paced, and so you will need to be an efficient worker who can prioritise, multi-task and remain calm under pressure. Attitude is latitude in this top-flight team, and there will be ample guidance, support, and encouragement by senior team members for an ideal candidate who understands that by learning a new trade from the best at it will mean there is no limit to what they can achieve together as a team.

While associates with a finance background are ideal, our team would be open to hiring a New York- qualified associate with *any* transactional background that is interested in crafting a niche in this one-of-a-kind practice. Asset finance experience is not required. Being based in Hong Kong is a plus, but by no means a requirement if someone is willing and able to move to HKG soon. The new hire will likely come from a top tier law firm.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

Our aviation practice is known globally as the top practice focused primarily on advising and assisting an exceptional client base comprised mostly of ultra-high net worth individuals, families and their business enterprises around the world in connection with the purchase, sale, financing, ownership and use of high-value private aircraft. There is also exposure to commercial airline, advanced air mobility and other aviation work. The role will involve:

• Advising on high-value complex and sophisticated cross-border transactions involving local, regional and international corporations, financial institutions, and wealthy individuals and family entities.
• Working in a team of corporate lawyers of diverse background and expertise. 
• Advising clients on a wide range of high-value and complex mergers and acquisitions transactions including joint ventures, takeovers and private equity transactions.
• Drafting of legal documents
• Legal research

Given our multi-disciplinary approach in providing our clients with solutions, you will also get to collaborate with colleagues with an exceptional wealth of experience both in the Hong Kong office and other offices, and other practice groups.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job and, as such, the role may include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Skills and Experience

• One to three years PQE with experience in corporate/M&A/capital markets/private equity/structured finance or aviation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Analytical, organised and can demonstrate initiative
• Able to work as part of a dynamic team and also independently
• Excellent command of English.
• Proficient in PC skills e.g., Word, Excel & etc

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.