Welcome to SAE Legal, where we blend deep industry knowledge with a commitment to excellence, specializing in the aviation sector. Founded by Maria Knutsen-Pugh and Amanda Cutler, our firm is distinguished by its global experience, personalized service, and innovative legal solutions. Our expertise spans aircraft and engine transactions, finance and restructuring, comprehensive service and supply solutions, real property transactions, and general corporate matters. At SAE Legal, we're dedicated to guiding our clients through complex legal landscapes with precision and care. Discover how our specialized approach can serve your legal needs.
GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
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Over two decades of leading international transactional expertise in the aviation sector
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Established close relationships with expert aviation local counsel across every continent
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A proven track record of handling complex cross-border legal matters with precision and insight
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Deep understanding of international regulatory environments, ensuring compliant and strategic solutions
FIRST CLASS SERVICE
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Commitment to providing personal and dedicated attention to every client, regardless of the size or complexity of the transaction
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Available around the clock, ensuring accessibility for clients in different time zones and urgent situations
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Consistently meets and exceeds deadlines, demonstrating exceptional time management and organizational skills
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A reputation for delivering work products with unparalleled speed, without ever compromising on accuracy or quality
FEE FRIENDLY
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Flexible fee arrangements tailored to each client's specific needs and circumstances
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Highly competitive hourly rates that reflect the firm's commitment to providing value
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Innovative project-based billing options, designed to provide clear and predictable legal costs
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Transparent billing practices, ensuring clients understand and agree to the scope of billing arrangements
ADDED VALUE
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Regularly provides clients with insights and updates on industry trends and legal changes that may impact their business
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Engages in continuous professional development to stay at the forefront of aviation law and related fields
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Actively contributes to the aviation legal community through publications, speaking engagements, and participation in industry forums
CLIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH
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Tailors legal strategies to align with each client's business objectives, operational needs, and risk tolerance
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Emphasizes clear and open communication, ensuring clients are informed and involved at every stage of their legal matters
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Builds long-term relationships with clients, based on trust, reliability, and consistent delivery of exceptional legal services
MARIA KNUTSEN-PUGH
MANAGING PARTNER
As trusted senior in-house counsel for NYSE, NASDAQ and privately held companies, Maria has a broad-base of global, commercial, transactional and corporate legal experience. Maria's many years of in-house experience make her uniquely skilled at working with management and stakeholders to identify, mitigate, and manage legal issues while meeting company mission and objectives.
With over a decade of experience with the world’s largest aircraft lessor, and years of experience with one of the most successful US low-cost carriers, Maria has extensive aviation transactional experience, with value-added perspective from both sides of the lessor/lessee table. Maria has a proven track record of success across diverse industries with a reputation for being a team player. Her outstanding work ethic and ability to work in a fast paced, high pressure environment are guaranteed.
Maria lives in Delray Beach, FL with her husband, daughters, and two adorable and inexplicably loud Shih Tzus. In her free time, Maria enjoys travel, yoga, cycling, musicals, Italian cuisine and meeting new people.
AMANDA CUTLER
MANAGING PARTNER
Amanda Cutler, Managing Partner and Co-founder of SAE Legal, brings over 20 years of aviation industry experience. With expertise in aviation asset transactions, including sale, purchase, lease, and finance, Amanda's background as former general counsel and chief legal officer at AeroTurbine, Inc. enhances her ability to navigate complex commercial aviation transactions. As a trusted advisor, Amanda's commitment to collaborative problem-solving ensures clients' objectives are met.
Amanda lives in Miami with her husband and two children. In addition to her law practice, Amanda serves as the alpha of her loyal pack of 3 dogs, all of which accompany her at work daily and make occasional unwanted appearances during conference calls. In her free time, Amanda enjoys baking, playing backgammon and going to see live music.
VICTORIA FIGUEIREDO
LEGAL MANAGER
Victoria Figueiredo serves as the Legal Manager for SAE Legal PLLC, bringing over eight years of experience in supporting operations across diverse industries, most recently focused exclusively on aviation. A dedicated professional with a knack for organization and effective communication, Victoria ensures the smooth functioning of the firm’s administrative processes. Her adaptability, commitment to excellence, and meticulous attention to detail contribute to the firm's operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Victoria holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Florida International University, from which she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Outside of work, she enjoys experimenting with exotic ingredients in the kitchen, reading up on European history, watching arthouse cinema, and defending the use of the Oxford comma.