News & Achievements

Vinson & Elkins Strengthens Global Aviation Finance Practice with Addition of Ainsley Ierland as Partner in London

Firm News

Vinson & Elkins announced today that Ainsley Ierland has joined the firm as a partner in its Finance practice, based in London. Her arrival follows the recent addition to the firm’s Finance practice in London of partner Harry Upcott and reflects the firm’s continued commitment to growing its global aviation finance platform across London, Dublin, and New York.

Ierland brings deep experience in the aviation finance sector, with a particular focus on complex, cross-border transactions. She has led numerous high-profile structured finance and capital markets deals, and is widely recognised for her technical expertise and collaborative approach.

“Ainsley is a highly capable and respected practitioner whose experience strengthens the team we’re building across key aviation finance markets,” said David Berkery, Head of Vinson & Elkins’ Aviation Finance practice. “Her appointment supports our broader strategy of offering clients a fully integrated transatlantic platform with depth across the full lifecycle of aviation transactions.”

Ierland’s arrival follows the firm’s recent office opening in Dublin, further establishing Vinson & Elkins as one of the few firms with a coordinated aviation finance presence across the three key markets for aviation leasing and finance governed by English and New York law.

“Vinson & Elkins has built a strong reputation in aviation finance, with a clear focus on collaboration and long-term growth,” said Ierland. “It’s an exciting time to be joining the team, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

Ierland joins the firm from A&O Shearman.

About Vinson & Elkins
For more than a century, Vinson & Elkins has provided outstanding client service across important industries that drive the global economy. Built on a strong culture of collaboration across 14 offices worldwide, V&E lawyers are committed to excellence, offering clients decades of legal experience in handling transactions, investments, projects and disputes across the globe. Learn more by visiting www.velaw.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

For more information, please speak with our media contacts.

Discover our latest:

Insights

Events

Jenny Speck to Speak at Lockton U.S. Energy Risk Summit

Partner Jenny Speck will speak at Lockton’s U.S. Energy Risk Summit on November 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The summit …

November 12, 2026

November 12, 2026 • 1-minute read

CLE Events

Sixth Annual Navigating the Annual Meeting and Reporting Season 

Join leading practitioners and industry voices for a timely discussion of the legal, regulatory, and governance developments shaping the next proxy season.

November 11, 2026

November 11, 2026 • 2-minute read

Navigating Series Background Decorative Image

Events

Jenny Speck Speaking at 2026 AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference

Partner Jenny Speck will speak at the 2026 AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit in a session titled “Tax …

November 3, 2026

November 3, 2026 • 1-minute read

Articles

Executive Order 14421: Managing the Risk of a Ban on Chinese Grid Equipment

The nation’s electric grid depends heavily on foreign-made equipment, much of it from China. Depending on how the Dept. of …

October 30, 2026

October 30, 2026 • 1-minute read

Podcasts

Powering Progress Episode 14 – Environmental Litigation and the New Data Center Playbook

This series has explored the extraordinary investment flowing into data centers and the challenges surrounding power, real estate, financing, and …

October 29, 2026

October 29, 2026 • 14-minute read

News & Achievements
V&E

Get in Touch

Thoughts or questions? Send us a note, and we’ll connect you with the right person.

The ESG GC: How Your Role as Chief Legal Officer is Integral To Your Company’s ESG Efforts Background Image