Asheesh Das, HFW

HFW has expanded its aviation finance practice with the addition of a senior lawyer from a major aircraft leasing company, in its latest hire.

Elix Aviation Capital head of legal Asheesh Das has joined HFW as a partner, in the latest hire for the growing firm.

Before moving to the in-house role in 2018, Das held numerous positions within law firms, including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Stephenson Harwood, where he made partner.

His practice focuses on asset and project financing in the transportation and energy sectors. He has advised airlines, lessors and financial institutions on the acquisition, financing and leasing of moveable assets. He has also acted for government institutions, sponsors and commercial lenders on infrastructure projects.

Das said in a statement: "As a commercial lawyer, getting the client perspective first-hand has been of great benefit to me, but I was keen to return to private practice."

The firm said its aerospace practice now comprises 90 lawyers, including 23 partners, across the globe.

The international outfit has been on an extended hiring spree this year. Earlier this month, it added Singapore-based shipping partner Christopher Metcalfe from Clyde & Co.

It also launched an employment practice across Sydney and Melbourne with the hire of an eight-lawyer team from Dentons earlier this year.