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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • American Airlines Inc.
  • Atlas Air, Inc.
  • Boeing Company, The
  • Global Medical Response, Inc.
  • SkyWest Airlines, Inc.
  • Spirit Airlines, Inc.
  • United Airlines, Inc.

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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Goetz, Stephen Cowen