Gwyn O’Flynn, Clark Ricketts

LEADING LAWYER DIRECTORY – Gwyn O’Flynn, Clark Ricketts

Gwyn O’Flynn is a partner at London legal firm Holland & Knight, which acquired transportation law firm Clark Ricketts LLP, where she focuses on the commercial aspects of aviation, including aircraft financing, management, leasing and sales.

Clark Ricketts
Partner
London
+44.20.7240.6767
gwyn.o’[email protected]

Gwyn’s advice

“Be commercial: There is no point proposing wholly unfair and one-sided terms which are obviously going to be rejected by the other party. A little compromise is usually required from both sides in order to find a happy landing for both parties but starting from an unreasonable position does not set the stage for that compromise.

“Pick up the phone: Tone and intention can all too often be misinterpreted on e-mail and so, if any controversial issues arise, it can be best to start with an explanatory phone call before sending an e-mail, to follow an e-mail with a call or to simply discuss the issue by telephone in totality.

“Issues will always arise during the course of a transaction. The key is not to panic and not to over complicate simple issues or over analyse small issues.”

Background

I had an interview scheduled with one of the larger London law firms in early 2000 for a paralegal position. Having little interview experience, the recruitment consultant sent me for an interview within the Aerospace Department of Willis Limited as preparation. I walked up the imposing steps of Ten Trinity Square, through the cavernous halls, into its ‘History of Aviation’ meeting room and never looked back. I took the job and then when I qualified as a solicitor, aviation was really the only destination for me.

Official biography

Gwyn O’Flynn joined Clark Ricketts LLP in March 2008 having previously worked in the Legal Department of Willis Group Limited. She became a partner in 2012.

Before qualifying as a solicitor, Gwyn spent a number of years at Willis Limited in the Contracts and Leasing divison of its Aerospace Department working exclusively on aviation insurance matters, and as a result obtained a valuable understanding of commercial aviation transactions and the operation of the aviation market. Whilst at Willis Limited, Gwyn obtained an Advanced Diploma in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute and was awarded the Aviation Insurance Association prize for her performance in the Aviation Insurance exam.

Gwyn advise banks, lessors and operators on finance and leasing issues, as well as maintenance and other aviation supplier companies on commercial contracts. In addition, Gwyn does a lot of corporate aircraft work advising private owners in connection with the operation, management, financing, sale and purchase of aircraft.

Gwyn concentrates on transactional work and the commercial aspects of aviation including aircraft financing, management, leasing and sales.