US law firm Vinson & Elkins is to open a Dublin city centre office, in a move that it said would enhance its ability to serve clients in the aviation sector.

Partner David Berkery, who joined the firm in 2022 as part of its global aviation-finance practice, will head the new office.

He has more than 18 years’ experience advising financial institutions, investment banks, airlines, aircraft-leasing companies, and private investors on all aspects of the acquisition, leasing, financing, and trading of aircraft.

'Strategic move'

Vinson & Elkins chair Keith Fullenweider said that the expansion into Dublin strengthened the firm’s ability to serve clients in the aviation sector.

“Establishing a presence in Dublin is a strategic move for the firm as we grow our practice and enhance our ability to serve the aviation-financing industry,” said Berkery, who will be working between the New York and Dublin offices.

Describing Dublin as “the primary hub for aircraft-financing", he said that it deserved a specialist team on the ground.

Vinson & Elkins said that the Dublin office would host a dedicated team of New York and England-and-Wales-qualified aviation-finance lawyers who would collaborate closely with the firm’s other aviation lawyers in New York and London.