Pillsbury Expands Market-leading Global Aviation Finance Practice with Addition of Partner Peter O’Hare in London

O’Hare’s arrival further bolsters Pillsbury’s established strength in executing large cross-border finance transactions all over the world.

“Having Pete in London deepens and enhances Pillsbury’s global aviation finance and private capital capabilities,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “He is known for his commercial mindset and track record of navigating particularly complex transactions, both of which are established hallmarks of Pillsbury’s renowned Aviation Finance practice.”

With nearly two decades of experience representing banks, financial institutions, lessors, and operators in the aviation sector, O’Hare has advised on many of the market’s most complex and innovative aircraft acquisition, financing, and leasing transactions. His work spans non-U.S. Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates, asset-backed securities, M&A, and large portfolio and warehouse financings, as well as restructurings, workouts, and repossessions. He is recognized by Chambers UK as a leading practitioner in the Asset Finance: Aviation Finance category.

“Pete has a stellar reputation, wide-ranging experience, and deep connections within the aviation sector,” said Mark Lessard, Pillsbury’s Global Head of Finance & Restructuring. “He strengthens our outstanding aviation finance offering and does so at a time when market conditions are increasingly favorable for aircraft purchasers and lessors. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Pillsbury team.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Pete to the team,” said Pillsbury’s Global Head of Asset Finance Graham Tyler. “His arrival strengthens our market-leading global aircraft finance practice, reinforces our commitment to providing clients with unparalleled industry expertise and reflects Pillsbury’s ongoing commitment to the growth of the London office.”

“Pete makes for an outstanding addition to the London office,” added Matthew Oresman, Pillsbury’s London office managing partner. “His arrival is as a testament to our commitment to growing our London office and ability to attract the most qualified and sought-after legal advisers for our clients.”

O’Hare is the latest addition to Pillsbury’s growing London office, which has seen rapid expansion in recent months. Just this year, the firm has welcomed Intellectual Property partner Steven James; Emerging Companies & Venture Capital partner Sarah Melaney; partner Daphne Higgs, who serves as Bay Area and London Chair of Technology Transactions and Artificial Intelligence; Hamid Yunis, a Corporate and M&A partner active in the healthcare and life sciences industries; International Insolvency & Restructuring partner Natasha Atkinson; and Laurence Lieberman, a cross-border disputes partner focused on representing technology and life sciences clients. Globally, Pillsbury has welcomed a total of 34 lateral partners in 2025.

“Pillsbury is an outstanding firm with a host of leading practices and real momentum in the UK,” said O’Hare. “The firm, and its aviation finance practice in particular, are known for being highly collaborative and for being regularly engaged by sophisticated clients to complete complex, cross-border transactions. It’s a platform I am incredibly excited to be a part of, and to contribute to.”

Pillsbury’s Aviation Finance team serves as a trusted adviser to the most established names in aviation as well as emerging players around the world, including manufacturers, airlines, lessors, financial institutions, corporations, individuals and other investors. Over the last five years alone, the team has helped a diverse range of market participants get or keep more than 1,600 commercial and business aircraft flying, reflecting an aggregate asset value of more than $75 billion.