Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced the continued growth of the firm's Corporate Practice Group with partner Patrice Robinet, who joins the Miami office. He builds upon the firm's core strengths in U.S. and international M&A, with a specific focus on aircraft acquisition, leasing and financing transactions. Robinet joins from Apollo Aviation Group, where he served as general counsel and chief compliance officer managing the legal aspects of multi-billion dollar transactions.
"Patrice brings a sophisticated understanding of complex aviation transactions," said Mary Carroll, chair of Akerman's Corporate Practice Group. "Patrice will provide immediate value to current and future clients, as we continue to grow our corporate team in major financial markets."
Robinet focuses his practice on all aspects of aircraft equipment transactions. He represents lessors, lessees and lenders in connection with U.S. and crossborder transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings and both operating and leveraged leasing of commercial aircraft parts and equipment. He also advises lessees, lessors and lenders on aircraft acquisitions, financings, leases and workouts.
Robinet has managed several billion dollars' worth of transactions, from large aircraft portfolio acquisitions and multi-aircraft leases, to engine leases and aircraft parts sales. He also has managed the formation and launch of three private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments of more than $1.5 billion and two aircraft-backed securitizations with an aggregate value above $1 billion. Robinet also oversaw the formation and launch of a liquid asset investment advisory firm specialized in aviation related investments.
Robinet is fluent in French, Spanish and conversant in German. In addition to being a member of the Florida and District of Columbia Bars, he also is admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales.
In addition to Robinet, Akerman's Corporate Practice Group recently welcomed New York partnersLorenzo Borgogni from Proskauer Rose and Jack Habert from Willkie Farr & Gallagher; Chicago partner Mason "Max" Drakefrom Greenberg Traurig, and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., partner Paul Quinn from Paul Hastings. The Akerman Corporate Practice Group advises public and private companies, including private equity funds, on M&A, capital markets transactions, financings, and other transactional matters, with a strong focus on the middle market. Akerman is top-ranked nationally for mergers, acquisitions and buyouts: middle market by The Legal 500 and is recognized as a leading U.S. law firm by U.S. News - Best Lawyers for corporate, M&A, private equity, securities/capital markets, securities regulation and banking and finance law.
About Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 650 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 24 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The American Lawyer (2016). Akerman also is ranked among the top 60 law firms for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2016).
More information can be found at akerman.com or twitter.com/akerman_law.
