Paul Jebely to join Pillsbury in Hong Kong
Paul Jebely is leaving Clyde & Co to open the first Hong Kong office for US law firm Pillsbury. He was previously global head of aircraft finance and at Clyde & Co.
Jebely joined Clyde & Co in March 2011. His father is a pilot and he decided to focus on aircraft finance whilst still at college in Canada. He is qualified to practice law in England, New York and Ontario, Canada.
“Paul is a class act whose reputation precedes him. The strategic and cultural fit is exceptional and he will slot right into our fully integrated, ‘one team’ approach,” said Mark Lessard, practice leader for Pillsbury. “We are confident that our collective clients will quickly recognize the added value of this enhanced geographical offering.”
Jebely has always focused on both business jets and commercial aircraft. His clients include Investec, Aviation Capital Group, DVB, AerCap, CHC Helicopter, Nedbank, Global Jet Capital, Credit Suisse, Nok Airlines and ultra-high net-worth individuals.
“I could not happier or more enthused,” said Jebely, “I’ve known Mark Lessard personally for some time now, and I’m thrilled to work with him and the amazing group of people here at Pillsbury and to help launch and grow the firm’s Hong Kong office.”
Jebely was one of the first business aviation lawyers to target Africa – well before many others recognised the potential – and at one point his job title at Clyde & Co was head of aircraft finance for Asia and Africa. He is also fluent in Farsi.
Pillsbury is currently applying for its licence to open an office in Hong Kong. It is also expected to hire assistants and associates from Jebely’s team.
Pillsbury is expanding its aviation team. In February Pillsbury hired Jonathan Goldstein, an aviation capital markets specialist in New York. It also hired Charles Donley, formerly aviation practice leader at Squire Patton Boggs.
Jebely’s move is similar to how Pillsbury launched its London office. In 2014 it hired Graham Tyler and Debra Erni, two aviation finance partners, from DLA. Pillsbury opened a Shanghai office in 2006 and a Beijing office in 2014.
