Education

University of Oregon School of Law, J.D.
Macalester College, B.A., cum laude, Economics

Bar Admissions

California

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William "Bill" Piels

Partner
San Francisco
t: 415-743-6930

William B. Piels is the Executive Partner in the San Francisco office of Holland & Knight with over 20 years of experience in aircraft lease and financing transactions. The clients he has represented include some of the world’s largest aircraft operating lessors and international financial institutions. Mr. Piels has also represented major international airlines, U.S. domestic airlines, engine manufacturers, engine lessors and spare parts lessors. He has extensive experience in a broad range of transactions in the aircraft leasing and financing area, including aircraft operating lease transactions, secured loans, aircraft purchase and sale transactions, single investor and leveraged lease transactions, securitizations, cross-border financing transactions, regional jet and commercial jet manufacturer purchase transactions, engine leasing and financing transactions, spare parts leasing and financing transactions, leveraged lease, operating lease and debt workouts and restructurings, and repossessions and foreclosures.

Mr. Piels is a frequent lecturer and author. His recent seminars and speaking engagements include: “Aircraft Pre-Delivery Financing”; “Airline Restructuring and Bankruptcy: the Financiers Perspective”; “Aircraft Operating Lease Training Seminar”; “Default and Restructuring: What Happens When It All Goes Wrong?”; "Cape Town Convention: Cross-Border Financings"; “Doing Deals: Bank Financings”; and “Doing Deals: Equipment Leasing”.

Professional Honors & Awards

  • Order of the Coif
  • Guide to the World's Leading Aviation Lawyers
  • Best of the Best Aviation Lawyers, Euromoney Guide
  • International Who's Who of Aviation Lawyers

Memberships

  • American Bar Association Subcommittee on Aircraft Finance and Contracts
  • International Registry Advisory Board, alternate member designate for the American Bar Association

Published Articles & Books

  • "Division 10: Leasing of Goods," Sales and Leasing in California Commercial Law Practice (Cal. CEB) , 2003
  • "Aircraft Operating Leases – Equipment Nuances," Operating Leases: The Complete Guide (Amembal and Associates), 1999