Aviation and air travel: litigation and regulation in United States

Condon & Forsyth LLP

Specialist aviation law firm Condon & Forsyth LLP is well known for acting in aviation-related commercial litigation, defense-side airline mass accidents, and National Transportation Safety Board investigations. The firm’s track record includes representing airlines and manufacturers (and their insurers) in wrongful death, personal injury, property damage and cargo claims, as well as delay, denied boarding, sexual assault and discrimination cases. The group also assists with emergency response and crisis management matters, while its expertise further extends to product liability, class actions, regulatory issues, and insurance coverage and reinsurance. The firm is additionally active in relation to unmanned aerial systems, as well as space and satellite-related matters. Christopher Christensen, Miami-based John Maggio and Scott Cunningham in Los Angeles are ‘standout partners’. The practice also showcases highly rated aviation litigators Bartholomew Banino and Anthony Battista, along with  Katherine Posner, whose focus includes aviation and aerospace-related insurance coverage and reinsurance law; former carrier-based naval aviator David Harrington; and Jonathan DeMay, who represents airlines, maintenance companies, and aircraft and component manufacturers. Other active advisers are Diana Gurfel Shapiro, Allison Surcouf, Jane Sigda, Mary Dow, and Los Angeles-based Andrew Johnson. Evan Kwarta  departed in July 2023. All attorneys listed are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher Christensen; Bartholomew Banino; John Maggio


Les références

In the aviation insurance market, clients are looking for practical solutions. C&F, as a well established and experienced firm, delivers on this aim.

Acute understanding of the London and worldwide insurance markets, and appreciation of the pressures that sometimes affect the usual conduct of business.

The team at Condon is a leader in its practice fields. They have handled many high-profile cases and have a diverse group of aviation experts.

Principaux clients

Advent Aircraft Systems, Inc.


Aer Lingus


Aerolineas Damojh, S.A. de C.V. (d/b/a Global Air)


Aerovías de México, S.A. de C.V. (d/b/a Aeromexico)


Air Charter Service


Air Lease Corporation


AIG


AirAsia


Air India


Air New Zealand


Airparts Company, Inc.


AJ Gallagher


Alaska Airlines


Allianz


All Nippon Airways


American Airlines


Aon Risk Services


Aruba Airlines


Asiana Airlines


Avianca


Bahamasair


BAE Systems Plc


Bangkok Airways


British Airways Plc


Broward County Sheriff’s Office


Caribbean Airlines


Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.


Cebu Pacific Air, Inc.


China Airlines


Compañía Panameña de Aviación, S.A. (d/b/a Copa Airlines)


Croatia Airlines Ltd.


Dassault Falcon Jet


Delta Air Lines


Duncan Aviation


Eaton Corporation plc


Embraer Executive Aircraft


Embraer Maintenance


Services


Embraer S.A.


Etihad Airways


F&E Aircraft Maintenance


Flight Lease Capital Management


Fly 7 Executive Aviation SA


Global Aerospace


Iberia


International Underwriting Association


Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.


Kalitta Air


Kenya Airways Ltd.


KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (aka Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V.)


Kuwait Airways


LATAM Airlines


Lion Air


LOT Polish Airlines (aka Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT S.A.)


Lufthansa German Airlines (aka Deutsche Lufthansa AG)


Marsh Aviation


Martinair Holland N.V.


Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.


Nature Air


NetJets


Nippon Cargo Airlines


Northrop Grumman


Pakistan International Airlines


Palm Beach International Airport


Pegasus Air


Philippine Airlines


Piiq Risk Partners


Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.


PrimeFlight Aviation Services


Qantas Airways


Royal Air Maroc


Royal Jordanian Airlines


Saudia (formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines)


Scandinavian Airlines System


Servotronics, Inc.


SIMCOM International Inc.


Singapore Airlines


Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance


South African Airways


Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA)


Spirit Airlines


Starlux Airlines


ST Aerospace Engineering


Sun Country Airlines


TACA


TAP Air Portugal


Tokyo Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.


Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London


United Airlines


US-Bangla Airlines


Volaris (aka Concesionaria Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.)


Willis Towers Watson


Cozen O'Connor

Delivering ‘great levels of commitment, involvement, expertise and dedication’, Cozen O'Connor advises on the full range of aviation-related regulatory licensing and compliance issues, including consumer protection, safety, security and competition regulations. The team also appears before executive branch agencies in authorization, investigation and enforcement matters; and routinely advocates on behalf of the aviation industry before legislators, policymakers and regulators. Airlines additionally mandate the practice for airport access issues, both in the US and abroad. Among the team’s several highly-regarded practitioners, David Heffernan represents US and foreign airlines (and their trade associations), airports, air travel distribution companies, and aircraft and engine manufacturers; Jonathon Foglia is ‘an outstanding attorney’; and Rachel Welford specializes in aviation security law and policy involving US government agencies. Other active team members are Michael Deutsch, who advises on a wide scope of aviation laws and regulations, and aviation regulatory specialist Rachel Schwartz. Additional key contacts are New York office managing partner Geoffrey Ferrer, who is also vice chair of the firm’s transportation and trade practice; and Robert Magovern, whose workload covers antitrust, foreign investment, national security and trade regulation issues. Mark Atwood departed the firm in April 2023. All attorneys listed are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Heffernan; Geoffrey Ferrer; Robert Magovern


Autres avocats clés:

Jonathon Foglia; Rachel Welford; Michael Deutsch; Rachel Schwartz


Les références

The level of the legal service is outstanding and its timing is more than satisfactory.

Great levels of commitment, involvement, expertise and dedication.

Deep knowledge of the industry from a team that provides innovative legal strategies.

Principaux clients

Airlines for America


Lufthansa Group


DHL Group


Emirates Airline


Alaska Airlines


Kalitta Air


Antonov Airlines


Marathon Airlines


Sky Up Airlines


JSX Air


Principaux dossiers


  • Advises Airlines for America (A4A) on complex, high-stakes aviation regulatory issues.
  • Acts as longstanding primary outside counsel to the Lufthansa Group for US aviation regulatory issues.
  • Acts as primary outside regulatory counsel to Alaska Airlines (and its affiliates) on a range of US legal and regulatory issues.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

According to clients, Hogan Lovells US LLP has ‘the most knowledgeable, well-informed practice around’. In addition to its traditional aviation work, the Washington DC-based practice stands out for its drone-related credentials: Recent highlights include assisting drone manufacturer Pyka with securing approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate (commercially nationwide) its zero-emission, highly-automated Pelican Spray uncrewed aircraft. The team also routinely works with American Airlines’ regulatory affairs team on FAA and US Department of Transportation (DOT) issues. Consistently mandated by airlines and aerospace companies, Robert Cohn is highly rated for his aviation-related regulatory, transactional, litigation and government relations advice. As chair of the firm’s global uncrewed aircraft systems practice, Lisa Ellman further serves as executive director of the Commercial Drone Alliance (an independent non-profit industry organization). Also integral to the group are Patrick Rizzi, who regularly acts before the DOT and FAA, and former FAA chief counsel (and acting deputy administrator) Arjun Garg, whose ‘experience is extremely valuable to clients’ and who recently advised the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Tennessee) on FAA policy in relation to an airport’s change in control. The next line of active practitioners includes Matthew Clark, an expert in federal regulatory issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lisa Ellman; Joanne Rotondi


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Cohn; Matthew Clark; Arjun Garg; Pat Rizzi


Les références

Great aviation regulatory team!

Hogan Lovells is the most knowledgeable, well-informed practice around.’

Exceptional and timely delivery of services – the best, especially in the area of aviation and uncrewed systems.

Principaux clients

Airobotics


American Airlines


Atlas Air


Florida Power and Light


Major League Baseball


Pyka


Republic Airways


Sustainable Skylines


WestJet


Zipline


Principaux dossiers


  • Achieved a major result for drone manufacturer Pyka in securing approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate (commercially nationwide) its zero-emission, highly-automated Pelican Spray uncrewed aircraft.
  • Regularly works alongside American Airlines’ regulatory affairs team (as aviation regulatory counsel) on FAA and US Department of Transportation issues.
  • Advised Atlas Air on aviation regulatory, FCC and government contract matters, in conjunction with the purchase of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (its parent company) for over $3bn by an investor group consortium.

Arnold & Porter

The transportation practice at Arnold & Porter is consistently sought out to act in high-stakes aviation disputes, including complex contentious issues that arise from major aviation events such as groundings and aircraft crashes. In recent highlights, the practice represented Airbus in product liability litigation across the US, which arose from alleged toxic fume contamination of its jetliners’ cabin air. Heading up the firm’s Houston office, Christopher Odell‘s track record includes significant transportation-related mass tort cases; Washington DC-based David Weiner‘s workload includes acting for multiple clients in relation to foreign mass torts, including major aviation accidents; and Katie Scott in Silicon Valley is an IP and technology-related disputes expert. Other key names include Amanda Thomson, whose track record includes cases arising out of aircraft incidents; and DC’s Megan Pieper, who is particularly experienced in representing aviation clients in complex litigation. Other names to note are Kenneth Chernof in Washington DC, who co-chairs the firm’s litigation group alongside New York-based James Herschlein. All the attorneys listed are based in Houston unless otherwise mentioned.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher Odell; Kenneth Chernof; James Herschlein


Principaux clients

Airbus Group SE


Airbus Americas


Airbus SAS


Airbus Military & Space


Airbus Ventures Equity Partner


Airbus Helicopters


Airbus Limited UK


Zetta Jet USA


Honeywell International


Wheels Up Partners, LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Airbus against 100-plus personal injury claims, via a class action and several opt-out personal injury actions pending in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada), which relate to the crash landing of an Air Canada A320 aircraft.
  • Representing Airbus in product liability litigation across the US, arising from alleged toxic fume contamination of the cabin air on its jetliners.
  • Acted for National Business Aviation Association, which represents over 11,000 companies and professionals that rely on aircraft for travel, in its dispute with the Town of East Hampton (NY) in the New York federal court.

Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP‘s highly-regarded aviation lawyers specialize in both aviation regulation and international law. The practice’s advice covers the gamut of aviation issues, ranging from major loss, emergency response and liability, to non-contentious work including regulatory issues, finance and employment matters. Beyond traditional aviation work, the group is highly active in the space and satellite insurance market, and is notably experienced in the regulation of drones. A specialist in commercial, aviation and product liability issues, Kevin Sutherland, whose experience includes acting in high-value cases involving general aviation, experimental and sub-orbital aircraft, chairs the global aviation practice group from San Francisco. Over in New York, Jeffrey Ellis routinely represents airline carriers in liability and regulatory issues; Andrew Harakas has longstanding passenger and cargo-related trial and litigation experience; and Christopher Carlsen‘s trial, litigation and arbitration practice also covers aviation matters. The practice additionally comprises Washington DC-based Kenneth Quinn, whose track record includes representing aircraft lenders and lessors, along with aircraft and engine manufacturers, in accident investigations, and certification, litigation and regulatory matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kevin Sutherland


Les références

Andrew Harakas masters aviation liability, has a practical approach and is all around excellent to work with. On the west coast, Kevin Sutherland also provides consistent service.

Holland & Knight

Offering ’excellent expertise in all matters of aviation law’, Holland & Knight‘s aviation practice is based predominantly in New York, Washington DC, Florida, Illinois, and California. The group consistently acts for both US and foreign airlines in major litigation arising out of high-profile airline crashes. It also handles disputes over aircraft leases, passenger claims, and class actions involving US and international law. On the regulatory side, the team assists with licensing issues, regulatory compliance, competition analysis, and defense-side enforcement matters. The department additionally handles aviation trade work (including high-profile disputes over traffic rights) and the regulatory aspects of airline commercial alliances and mergers. Firm-wide litigation section leader Christopher Kelly defends airlines and manufacturers (and their insurers) against suits brought throughout the US; and Steven Raffaele and Judy Nemsick are also experienced aviation litigators. Over in DC, Anita Mosner is ‘a true expert in her field’, while Benjamin Allen is a June 2023 hire from the  US National Transportation Safety Board, where he spent over a decade. All attorneys listed are in New York unless otherwise stated.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher Kelly; Anita Mosner; Steven Raffaele


Autres avocats clés:

Judy Nemsick; Benjamin Allen; Sarah Korapaty


Les références

Very knowledgeable about clients’ industries and always extremely responsive.

Very good network with excellent expertise in all matters of aviation law.

Anita Mosner is a true asset and business partner for clients. She is dedicated to clients’ needs and operations.

Principaux clients

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation


Bombardier


American Airlines


Envoy Air


Frontier Airlines


Concesionaria Vuela Compañía de Aviación S.A.B. de C.V. (d/b/a Volaris)


Estate of Joshua Pepperd


Hyannis Air Service, Inc. d/b/a Cape Air


JetBlue Airways Corporation


Alaska Airlines


Volaris


Tradewind Aviation


Bristow Helicopters


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented American Airlines and Envoy Air in connection with an NTSB investigation and litigation.
  • Served as national counsel to JetBlue Airways in state and federal litigation throughout the US (in both insured and uninsured matters).
  • Assisted Volaris with devising strategies to adapt to the implications of Mexico’s downgrade into Category 2 status under the FAA’s IASA program.

Jones Day

Jones Day is home to civilian and former military pilots, as well as former senior Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Justice officers. The firm also fields former in-house aviation manufacturer lawyers. The practice’s track record ranges from defending mass-disaster commercial airliner crash litigation in the US and international courts, to defense-side aviation accident litigation. The team additionally acts in National Transportation Safety Board investigations; litigates disputes involving regional air service agreements, maintenance services, and engine, aircraft and spacecraft supply contracts; and defends airlines against passenger claims and ground-handling disputes. Other notable areas include the representation of aircraft owners and lessors in insurance coverage disputes following aviation accidents; and assisting corporate flight departments with risk-avoidance strategies. Pittsburgh-based John Goetz defends companies against business and tort litigation, while Stephen Cowen in Detroit is a former senior legal counsel from The Boeing Company. Over in Washington DC, Matthew Papez‘s experience includes representing an aerospace company in a government contract-related lawsuit alleging misappropriation of confidential information; and litigation and trial lawyer Patrick Haney is also experienced in aviation cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Goetz; Stephen Cowen


Autres avocats clés:

Matthew Papez; Patrick Haney; Joshua Fuchs


Principaux clients

American Airlines Inc.


Atlas Air, Inc.


Boeing Company, The


Global Medical Response, Inc.


SkyWest Airlines, Inc.


Spirit Airlines, Inc.


United Airlines, Inc.


Nixon Peabody LLP

Nixon Peabody LLP has longstanding experience in representing airplane and helicopter manufacturers, aircraft component manufacturers, and aircraft and equipment sales, leasing, and financing companies. The client list also comprises domestic and international airlines, including cargo airlines and freight forwarders, airports, fixed base operators, parachuting and balloon operators, and aviation maintenance and repair facilities. The team is consistently sought out to act in National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, and foreign accident investigations. It also assists with regulatory matters and the establishment of risk-management procedures that avoid litigation. From the firm’s New York and Long Island offices, Joseph Ortego routinely handles aviation industry-related litigation, regulatory and compliance issues, while in San Francisco, Brian Dalrymple represents corporations, airlines, type certificate holders, drone manufacturers, and airports in defense-side class actions. The practice additionally includes Rochester-based Tracey Scarpello, who assists with aviation-related business disputes; Erik Goergen, an expert in commercial litigation involving aviation and product liability issues, and Santo Borruso in Long Island, who is experienced in defending aviation industry-related product liability cases that allege defects in manufacturing, design and failure to warn.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joseph Ortego; Brian Dalrymple


Autres avocats clés:

Erik Goergen; Santo Borruso; Domenico Perrella


Les références

The combinatio of legal and technical knowledge makes the team outsanding in terms of providing aviation product liability and litigation advice.

Brian Dalrymple is the main contact person for us at Nixon Peabody. His experience and creativity as well as his legal and technical knowledge make him an invaluable asset for his firm and for its clients.

Principaux clients

Daher-Socata


Daher Socata d/b/a Socata North America, Inc.


Avions de Transport Regional (ATR)


Airbus


Airbus Helicopters


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Socata North America, Inc in connection with the crash of a TBM 700 in 2019 involving five fatalities, one injury, and hull loss.
  • Defended Airbus Helicopters against claims by the State of New Mexico Risk Management Division and Lexington Insurance Company for property damage and repairs to a hospital, where a crash occurred on a rooftop helipad.
  • Represented Socata S.A.S. and Socata North America in connection with wrongful death claims that have been filed in the states of New York, Florida and Connecticut, arising from the crash of a TBM-900 turbo-prop aircraft off the coast of Jamaica.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s longstanding aviation practice acts for major airlines both in the US and around the world, as well as original equipment manufacturers, suppliers, lessors, purchasers, investors and financiers. On the regulatory side, the team assists with administrative adjudications, enforcements, litigation and air service negotiations, along with antitrust, aircraft leasing, environmental issues, export licensing, and customs and tax matters. The firm also houses specialists in airline safety, regulatory and aircraft certifications, accident investigations, and employment. It additionally advises airlines on licensing applications for new routes. Charles Donley‘s track record includes acting before the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of State, Department of Justice, and National Transportation Safety Board; and Josh Romanow represents several international airlines, along with travel and hospitality companies. The next line of active practitioners includes Thomas Liu in Los Angeles, who acts for aviation clients in cross-border labor and employment litigation; and Laura Jennings Ochoa, who also has extensive aviation and airline experience. The attorneys mentioned are based in the firm’s Washington DC office unless otherwise mentioned.

Responsables de la pratique:

Charles Donley


Les références

The whole team is professional, supportive, quick to respond, and highly efficient.

They are specialists in the aviation field and are able to put themselves in clients’ shoes.

Qualified to detect the risks ahead and raise the alarm.

Principaux clients

LATAM Airlines Chile


LATAM Peru


LATAM Cargo Chile


LATAM Cargo Colombia


LATAM Argentina


LATAM Brazil


LATAM Colombia,


TAM Mercosur


American Airlines


Xiamen Airlines


Vietnam Airlines


Norse Atlantic Airways


Air China Limited


Air China Cargo


KLM Royal Dutch Airlines


Hainan Airlines


MIAT Mongolian Airlines


Amerijet International Airlines


China Southern Airlines Cargo


China Southern Airlines


China Airlines


Cebu Pacific Airlines


SF Airlines


German Airways


UG Jet


Valletta Airlines


Get Jet Airlines Latvia


Skyside GmbH


Arajet


Cayman Airways


TAP Air Portugal


Smart Wings


Plus Ultra


Wamos Air


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Norwegian start-up airline, Norse Atlantic Airways, on US licensing and traffic rights for its UK subsidiary, Norse Atlantic UK.
  • Representing LATAM airlines in an antitrust immunity proceeding before the Department of Transportation.
  • Representing MIAT Mongolian Airlines in relation to the commencement of new flights to and from the US.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP‘s aviation litigation group operates out of New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Texas. The group has a strong market reputation for high stakes tort claims arising from air accidents, including the representation of aircraft and engine manufacturers in litigation. The team also defends major airlines against claims from passengers. Co-leading the department, Patrick Bradley assists with a range of aviation-related product liability issues, such as wrongful death, personal injury and property loss and damage; and Oliver Beiersdorf in New York routinely acts for airlines in complex cases. The practice also features Houston office managing partner and first-chair trial lawyer, Kenneth Broughton; and Marilyn Moberg, an expert in commercial disputes, regulatory proceedings, arbitration, and product liability and toxic tort litigation. The next line of key advisers includes recently-promoted product liability litigation partner Gregory Speier; and Catherine Kiernan, who regularly defends aircraft manufacturers, aviation component manufacturers, and airlines in major litigation. Amanda Cunha and Tysons-based Justin deBettencourt are other active team members. All attorneys listed are based in Princeton unless otherwise stated.

Responsables de la pratique:

Patrick Bradley; Oliver Beiersdorf


Victor Rane PLC

A unique aviation firm with talented people’, Victor Rane PLC represents both aviation and aerospace sector-related businesses and individuals in arbitration and litigation. Working across the firm’s offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, DC and California, the practice also acts for aerospace insurers in coverage work, arbitration and claims handling. Its expertise ranges from civil rights claims against airlines, to aircraft product liability and operational negligence claims following aircraft accidents. Los Angeles-based Richard Lazenby is a first-chair trial lawyer with significant litigation, jury trial, bench trial, and arbitration experience; Barry Alexander in New York acts for airlines, fixed base operators, airline service providers, product manufacturers, aviation insurers, and maintenance, repair and overhaul companies; and the practice of Washington DC’s Jonathan Stern includes personal injury and wrongful death cases involving aviation products and operations, civil rights cases against airlines, and insurance coverage and claims handling. The group also comprises active Pittsburgh-based private pilot Robert Williams; and in Philadelphia, Denny Shupe ‘has exceptional experience’; Stephen Shapiro regularly defends large commercial airlines in passenger-related claims; and Brittany Wakim is ‘an exceptional up-and-coming attorney’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Barry Alexander; Richard Lazenby; Denny Shupe; Jonathan Stern; Robert Williams


Autres avocats clés:

Stephen Shapiro; Brittany Wakim; Lee Schmeer


Les références

A unique aviation firm with talented people.

Works well with clients and each individual has unique strengths – this is what makes this firm outstanding.

Their grasp of highly technical issues is a strength at this firm.

Principaux clients

Southwest Airlines Company


United Air Lines, Inc.


Alaska Airlines, Inc.


Hawaiian Airlines


Rolls-Royce Corporation


Rolls-Royce North America


AVStar Fuel Systems


AIG Aerospace (US & UK)


Piper Aircraft Company


Global Aerospace (US & UK)


Great American Insurance Company


Starr Insurance Companies


National Flight Services


Trident Aviation


Brenner Aerostructures


Delta Airlines


Textron, Inc.


Textron Aviation, Inc.


Spirit Airlines


Allianz Insurance


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented The Collings Foundation in numerous lawsuits, resulting from the crash of a World War II bomber during an airshow in Connecticut.
  • Representing Southwest Airlines and the State of Maryland in a Section 1981 civil rights case where the plaintiff was forcibly removed from a flight after concerns of a severe allergy to dogs were raised.
  • Representing Rolls-Royce Corporation in one of the most-closely watched federal appeals currently pending, where the Second Circuit will decide whether federal aviation design standards pre-empt state law.

Baker McKenzie LLP

Baker McKenzie LLP‘s ‘aviation team is top notch’. The practice routinely assists major aviation sector clients with regulatory matters, commercial issues, investigations, and enforcement proceedings. The team additionally advises on aviation-related licensing, transactions, taxation, and environmental reviews. The group is notably active in restructuring work, investments in air carriers, financings involving pledges of slots, routes, and gates, and appellate litigation. It also comprises experts in new aviation technologies, such as drones, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, smart cities, digitization, and advanced air mobility. Chairing the global aviation group from DC, Jennifer Trock also leads the firm’s unmanned aircraft systems focus team. Over in New York, the track record of Clyde (Skip) Rankin III includes advising a large international airline (along with its airline partners) on the redevelopment and financing of a major international airport terminal.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jennifer Trock


Autres avocats clés:

Clyde (Skip) Rankin III


Les références

The Baker McKenzie aviation team is top notch.

The Baker team’s work product and advice are second to none.

The team is incredibly responsive and highlights additional considerations beyond the questions that have been asked. That is incredibly helpful to non-experts typically handling in-house corporate work.

Cooley LLP

Routinely mandated by aerospace manufacturers, Cooley LLP‘s aviation litigation practice acts in major accident litigation cases, such as fatal air crashes and wrongful death claims; and the group’s caseload is frequently multi-jurisdictional cases when clients’ aircraft are involved in major accidents across the world. ‘With very good knowledge of the aviation industry’, the team also assists air carriers (as their liability and emergency response counsel); represents airports and fixed-base operators in high-stakes airport disputes; and acts in cases involving unmanned flights. The litigation practice further benefits from the firm’s experience in both National Transportation Safety Board investigations and contested matters against the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Authority, which involve regulatory compliance and international air authority issues. William O’Connor acts across the full range of aviation litigation from San Diego; and in Washington DC, Parker Erkmann‘s aviation disputes practice focuses on antitrust, competition and regulatory work.

Responsables de la pratique:

William O’Connor


Autres avocats clés:

Parker Erkmann


Les références

‘Top-notch team – available, responsive, and with very good knowledge of the aviation industry. When clients have issues in the US, they are the ones they contact.’

‘William O’Connor is the person clients enjoy working with as he is a fierce litigator in addition to being pleasant to work with.’

Principaux clients

JetBlue


MD Helicopters


Town of East Hampton


Textron


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing JetBlue Airways Corporation in the US Department of Justice’s lawsuit, seeking to block the merger of JetBlue and Spirit, and in a private action challenging the merger.
  • Representing MD Helicopters, Inc. before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in relation to a helicopter crash in Oso, Washington.
  • Representing Town of East Hampton in a series of disputes, arising from the town’s efforts to regulate its municipal airport in response to community concerns.

Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig‘s aviation litigators act for national and global airlines, airline services companies, and airport owners and operators in litigation involving commercial disputes, product liability, IP, environmental issues, and personal injury and property damage claims. The team also assists with securities class actions, derivative actions, employment matters, data privacy, advertising, real estate, and regulatory law.  Co-chair of the firm’s aviation group, Jacob Bundick, whose commercial litigation practice focuses on aviation, works across the firm’s Las Vegas, Houston and Dallas offices. Bundick is supported by pilot and aviation disputes specialist Andrew Barr in Denver, whose track record includes acting for several aircraft manufacturers, aircraft operators, and airport sponsors before the civil aviation authorities, as well as in private litigation and arbitration. Barr is a July 2023 recruit from Cooley LLP.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jacob Bundick


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Barr


O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Major areas for O'Melveny & Myers LLP’s aviation litigation practice range from high-stakes consumer class actions, privacy issues and air crashes, to passenger removals and general commercial litigation. The team also assists with merger-related litigation, and particularly stands out for its representation in labor lawsuits. The firm’s aviation litigators represent a raft of US passenger and cargo airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The team also regularly acts for Airlines for America (airline trade association) in high-profile litigation. New York-based co-chair of the firm’s aviation group, Mark Robertson, is well known for his expertise in litigation and arbitration under the Railway Labor Act; Aparna Joshi leads the labor and employment practice in Washington DC, where Tristan Morales‘ recent experience includes successfully defending several air carriers in Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act class action cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Robertson


Autres avocats clés:

Aparna Joshi; Tristan Morales


Principaux clients

Airlines for America


American Airlines


Southwest Airlines


United Airlines


Alaska Airlines


Delta Airlines


Republic Airways


Spirit Airlines


Envoy Air


FedEx


Principaux dossiers


  • Achieved a trial victory for Airlines for America in a declaratory judgment action against the State of Massachusetts, challenging the application of the State’s paid sick leave law to airline employees.
  • Represented American Airlines in an age-discrimination case brought by over 600 flight attendants seeking $260m in alleged damages.
  • Secured a win for United Airlines (UA), when the Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s decision granting summary judgment to UA in a certified pilot class action alleging USERRA violations.