Mark Franklin
DLA PiperDescribed as ‘a clear market leader in the area,’ DLA Piper offers a breadth of advice across the aviation sector, acting for airlines, OEMs and insurers facing regulatory hurdles, insurance issues and a variety of commercial challenges. Tony Payne heads the group, acting for carriers on regulatory matters, including ICAO conventions. Payne and Mark Franklin are also engaged for aviation disputes arising out of major accidents, groundings and issues between lessors and lessees. Kathryn Ward is sought after for representation in the aftermath of accidents, handling liability issues, with dual qualified (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) John Gilfedder acting for sector clients and their insurers in similar matters. Sophie Brophy and Camilla Bonfield are noted for their aviation disputes practices.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is very commercially minded and pragmatic, with an eye on supporting in-house counsel to ensure they are well advised and able to effectively report updates internally.'
- 'The DLA team was supportive from the very outset and it helped having previous expertise with aviation litigation. I very much appreciated the care taken to use a dialogue that was easy to follow and explained at each step.'
- 'Balanced, considered and flexible points of view were exchanged at all times and when suggestions were tabled in relation to possible alternate paths forward, all were carefully considered not dismissed.'
- 'Mark Franklin has unrivaled knowledge of the aviation sector and is always available and incredibly supportive.'
- 'A clear market leader in the area, with a full service offering across the aviation, transportation and e-commerce sectors.'
- ' John Gilfedder is a go-to lawyer for us due to his in-depth knowledge of transportation, legal and regulatory issues and his commercial acumen. He understands our business and is a leader in the field.'
- 'The DLA team was supportive from the very outset and it helped having previous expertise with Aviation litigation. I very much appreciated the care taken to use a dialogue that was easy to follow and explained at each step.'
- 'Tony Payne holds a great relationship with the UK CAA and provides great support in liaising with the CAA and managing difficult cases.'
Key clients
- Airbus Helicopters
- Allianz
- Amazon
- AXA XL
- Bristow Helicopters Limited
- British Airways plc
- CV Starr
- Delta Air Lines
- easyJet
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Flybe
- GE Aerospace
- Hardy
- HDI Global Specialty SE
- Jet2.com
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- L3 Commercial Training Solutions Limited
- Manchester Airport Group
- Markel
- Menzies Aviation plc
- NetJets Inc
- Northrop Grumman
- Pratt & Whitney
- Rolls Royce
- Safran Aircraft Engines
- United Airlines
Work highlights
- Acted for Starr International (Europe) Limited in High Court litigation concerning aircraft seized by Russian operators.
- Supported Bristow Helicopters in respect of government and CAA engagement concerning advanced aircraft technologies and on regulatory matters.
- Engaged by GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines to advise on the investigation into, and suitable resolution of, falsified engine parts sold into the international market by a UK supplier.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Camilla Bonfield
DLA PiperSophie Brophy
DLA PiperPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tony Payne