[SatNews] ...a new team in a new a newly-formed, multidisciplinary global Space Business discipline.

Dentons announced that it will launch a Space Business sector team, enhancing its client service capabilities in the Aviation and Aerospace sector.  Veteran satellite telecommunications lawyer Delbert (Del) D. Smith, PhD., who joins the Firm as senior Space Business counsel will lead a newly-formed, multidisciplinary global Space Business discipline.  Elizabeth (Liz) H. Evans and Deepak Reddy, who join Dentons as partners in the New York office, will also serve clients as part of the Space Business team. The Space Business team will focus on transactional, insurance, intellectual property, regulatory, import/export and litigation and arbitration needs on behalf of businesses in the commercial space arena.

"The talent and experience these three bring will augment the Firm's exceptional telecommunications capabilities around the world and deepen our corporate offerings,” said U.S. managing partner, Mike McNamara.

Delbert D. Smith

Smith, who comes to Dentons with more than 35 years of experience practicing as an international lawyer in the high-technology and space business sector, focuses his practice on the financing, regulatory, institutional and international issues at the cutting edge of telecommunications and satellite communications. He advises clients on legal matters surrounding satellites, including direct satellite broadcasting, utilization of the geostationary orbit, international telecommunications policy, technology transfer, transborder data flow, satellite insurance and computer/communication interactions.

In addition to asset-based and corporate acquisitions, Smith provides strategic consultation to commercial enterprises and public sector entities pursuing the development and implementation of communications satellite systems. He has represented banks, satellite manufacturers, satellite operators and space insurance underwriters in a variety of complex transactional matters. In particular, he has advised non-U.S. companies in expanding into U.S. domestic and international space and telecommunications markets through direct investment and joint ventures.

Smith has been a member of the Society of Satellite Professionals International's Hall of Fame since 2007. He earned his JD, MS and BS with honors from the University of Wisconsin, and also holds a PhD from Cambridge University and a diploma in Public International Law from the Hague Academy of International Law.
 

Elizabeth H. Evans

Evans, who will serve as global co-chair of Denton's Aviation Finance practice and lead the practice in the U.S., focuses on aircraft, project and satellite financing, as well as equipment leasing of other assets (including rail cars, mining equipment, telecommunication equipment, ships and trucks).  Additionally, she has participated in unleveraged and leveraged equipment acquisitions (including satellite procurement agreements and portfolio aircraft purchases) and related regulatory and transactional matters. 

Evans writes regularly on asset-based finance topics, including articles with respect to utilizing slots, gates and routes as collateral and the impact of orbital debris on satellite finance. She is also a member of the Society of Satellite Professionals International, Women in Aerospace and International Aviation Women's Association.

Evans earned her JD from Columbia University, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and worked on the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law. She received her BA from Wellesley College, magna cum laude, where she was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Deepak Reddy

Reddy concentrates on representing airlines, aircraft leasing companies, financial institutions and investment funds in connection with mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financing and leasing transactions. Reddy is a member of several aviation-related Bar groups, as well as the National Business Aviation Association and The Wings Club. Reddy earned his JD from Fordham University and his BA from Brandeis University.