(openPR) - DALLAS – Aviation finance attorney Christopher M. Sandefur has joined Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP’s Dallas office. The addition of Mr. Sandefur further strengthens Gardere’s Corporate Practice Group, specifically the Maritime and Aviation practice, which earned both national and citywide recognition in the 2011-12 “Best Law Firms” rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®. Mr. Sandefur also is an integral addition to Gardere’s International Projects group.

“Chris will be a tremendous asset to Gardere and we are excited to have him on-board,” says Steve Good, Gardere’s Managing Partner. “His exceptional legal acumen coupled with his experience in aviation law on the client side will add unique depth to Gardere’s Maritime and Aviation practice, among others.”

Previously, Mr. Sandefur served as General Counsel for Macquarie Aviation Capital Limited, the aircraft engine leasing group for Macquarie Bank. He has significant experience advising lenders, borrowers, lessees, lessors and others in a variety of financial matters involving secured and unsecured lending and structured equipment finance matters, including domestic and transnational finance leases, operating leases and tax-motivated structured financings.

Mr. Sandefur is actively engaged in the documentation of purchases and sales of commercial, corporate and private aircraft and aircraft equipment. He also has broad experience in workouts, restructuring leasing arrangements, repossessions and remarketing of distressed assets. Prior to his years with Macquarie Aviation Capital Limited, Mr. Sandefur served as senior counsel to the aircraft leasing departments of both AAR CORP and Bombardier Capital Inc. (now a subsidiary of GE Capital).

Commenting on his move to Gardere, Mr. Sandefur says, “The decision to join Gardere was an easy one. The Firm’s commitment to providing the highest quality and highest value services to its clients makes it the perfect platform for my re-entry into private practice.”

Mr. Sandefur is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm founded in 1909 and one of the Southwest’s largest full-service law firms, has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Mexico City. Gardere provides legal services to private and public companies and individuals in areas of corporate, litigation, energy, tax, real estate, financial services, government affairs, hospitality, intellectual property, labor and employment and environmental. For more information, contact Kristin Butler at 214.999.4843 or kbutler@gardere.com.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP
3000 Thanksgiving Tower
1601 Elm St.
Dallas TX 75201
214.999.3000
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