Brian Kersey concentrates his practice in aviation law and commercial finance matters. He brings over 30 years of wide-ranging experience as a lawyer and as a banker to bear in providing practical solutions and guiding his clients to successful outcomes quickly and efficiently.
Mr. Kersey is Co-Chair of Bodman’s Aviation Law and Finance Practice Group. His aviation law practice encompasses a wide variety of areas, including purchase and sale transactions, regulatory compliance, risk management, tax planning, Part 91 and Part 135 operations, and management and leasing arrangements for both aircraft and hangar space. He has extensive experience in international aviation purchases and sales. His aviation clients range from individuals buying or selling single engine aircraft to family offices and corporate flight departments buying or selling large cabin jet aircraft, with the aircraft being based throughout the United States.
His commercial finance practice includes extensive experience representing both lenders and borrowers in syndicated loan facilities, secured and unsecured term loans (including equipment finance) and revolving credit facilities, real estate and construction lending.
Before joining Bodman, Mr. Kersey practiced law with two highly respected Michigan-based business law firms and in the Grand Rapids office of an AmLaw 200 national law firm. He began his professional career as a commercial loan officer for a major regional bank.
Mr. Kersey is a member of the Michigan Bar Association and a former Chair and the current Secretary of the Aviation Law Section Council. He is a member of the National Business Aviation Association. He is a long time volunteer fundraiser for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America 2013-2025, Banking and Finance
- The Best Lawyers in America 2019 Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year,” Banking and Finance Law
- Michigan Super Lawyers, 2023-2024, Banking
- Grand Rapids Magazine “Top Lawyers” 2019-2024, Banking & Financial Services Law
- Leading Lawyers Network, Corporate Finance Law
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan
- Aviation Law Section (past Chair and current Secretary)
- National Business Aviation Association
- Notre Dame Club of Grand Rapids
Publications
- Co-Author (with Darren J. Burmania), “SBA Publishes Guidance and Resources on Section 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program Loans Application Certifications,” Bodman COVID-10 Response Team Update, April 2020
- Co-Author (with Darren J. Burmania), “Interim Final Rule Guidance from the SBA on Section 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program Loans,” Bodman COVID-10 Response Team Update, April 2020
- Co-Author (with Darren J. Burmania), “Interim Final Rule Guidance from the SBA on Section 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program Loans,” Bodman COVID-19 Response Team Update, April 2020
- “CARES Act: Impact to General Aviation Clients,” Bodman COVID-19 Response Team Update, March 2020
Representative Matters
- Represented a national financial institution in multiple rounds of financing for Boeing 737 and 767 aircraft.
- Represented an ultra-high net worth individual in the purchase of a VIP-configured Boeing 767 aircraft, a Gulfstream G550 aircraft, and a Sikorsky S92A helicopter.
- Represented a corporate flight department of a large financial institution in the purchase of two new Challenger 3500 aircraft and one used Challenger 350 aircraft.
- Represented various clients in transactions that include the import or export of aircraft, including from Mexico, Cayman Islands, Canada, San Marino, Malta, Portugal, Isle of Man, Brazil, and others.
- Purchase of various aircraft under co-ownership arrangements.
- Represented various clients in the purchase of new Gulfstream, Bombardier, Textron, and other OEM aircraft.
- Purchase of an FBO with Part 135 certificate and Part 141 flight school.
- Sale of an FBO with Part 135 certificate.
- Represented various clients in the purchase and/or lease of fractional interests with NetJets, Corporate Eagle, and Plane Sense, and the purchase of jet cards with XO Global, VistaJet, and other program providers.
- Negotiation of a purchase agreement for up to 36 new single-engine piston airplanes with scheduled deliveries over a period of approximately 18 months.
- Represented various clients in management agreements with NetJets, Solairus Aviation, Clay Lacy, Priester Aviation, Polaris Aviation, and other aircraft management companies.
- Numerous transactions representing buyers and sellers of used aircraft across the United States with individual transaction values ranging from $200,000 to $30 million, many involving aircraft being imported into the United States. Clients included individuals, family offices, and corporate flight departments.
Related News
- 11/01/202417 Bodman Attorneys Included in 2024 Grand Rapids Top Lawyers List
- 08/15/202472 Bodman PLC Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2025
- 08/12/202458 Bodman Attorneys Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2024
- 11/01/202313 Bodman Attorneys Included in 2023 Grand Rapids Top Lawyers List
- 09/19/202358 Bodman Attorneys Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2023
- University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D.
- Indiana University, M.B.A., with honors
- Central Michigan University, B.B.A.
- Michigan