Aviation & Space Law

Rejection of Boeing plea deal on DEI grounds causes consternation

The surprise rejection of Boeing Co.’s proposed guilty plea to fraud charges stemming from two fatal 737 Max crashes has inserted a fiery culture issue into the proceedings after a judge opposed the consideration of race in the selection of a compliance monitor.

Dec 6, 2024 12:35 PM CST

Federal Aviation Administration’s chief counsel has fought challenges with resolve

Marc Nichols describes his career and life’s trajectory not as a straight line leading him to the FAA but more of a wandering path in which he has fought against difficult circumstances and seized opportunities. The key, Nichols says, is to stay determined and embrace change. “Change can sometimes be your friend. It’s about mental attitude and perseverance.”

Jun 1, 2024 1:40 AM CDT

Disney Channel actress is now a Harvard Law grad—and that’s not all

An actress who starred in the Disney Channel TV series Good Luck Charlie isn’t limiting her career path to acting.

May 30, 2024 9:10 AM CDT

After controversial lavatory-camera defense, this law firm won’t be representing airline in suit

Updated: Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker is no longer representing American Airlines in a lawsuit filed on behalf of a 9-year-old girl after the law firm argued that she was negligent for using a “compromised lavatory.”

May 28, 2024 1:07 PM CDT

As CEO of an air carrier, this lawyer steers the company and flies the planes

If Benjamin Klein isn’t in his office, there’s a chance he could be above it. That’s because Klein isn’t just the CEO of Aero, a San Francisco-based air carrier specializing in semiprivate air travel, he’s also a first officer. Which means he can—and does—fly planes for Aero.

Dec 1, 2023 1:20 AM CST

As outer space becomes more accessible, space lawyers will be in greater demand

Billionaires are building their own rockets to go to space. Regular people are mingling with astronauts on spacecraft. Companies are trying to monetize space, while the government established a new branch of the armed services in December 2019, the U.S. Space Force, to defend it. We’ve entered a new space age, and there are stellar opportunities for space lawyers to explore.

Dec 1, 2021 1:40 AM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Riot review won’t exclude Trump; sanctions bid against election lawyers targets ‘paranoia’

US attorney doesn’t rule out Trump charges Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin of Washington, D.C., on Thursday promised a criminal review of “all actors” in the assault on the U.S. Capitol. Asked if the review will include President Donald Trump and his statements to supporters before the riot, Sherwin replied,…

Jan 7, 2021 5:03 PM CST

Netflix obtains foreign trademark rights to ‘Space Force’ before US government

Netflix has secured some foreign trademark rights to the phrase “Space Force”—which is also the name of its new comedy series starring Steve Carell—ahead of the U.S. government.

Jun 9, 2020 5:07 PM CDT

Do police drones foster trust or threaten civil rights and privacy?

Police say unmanned aerial systems can build trust in the community by deescalating incidents. Critics warn, however, that drones sow fear and distrust.

Jun 1, 2020 1:15 AM CDT

ABA House of Delegates passes resolution on drones; delegate calls it ‘a hot topic’

The ABA will address the growing presence of drones in American airspace by lobbying for regulations that would help prevent operators of the unmanned aircraft from trespassing on private property.

Feb 17, 2020 6:45 PM CST

Air travelers should have a private right of action if discriminated against, ABA House says

The ABA House of Delegates approved a resolution targeting air carriers’ discrimination against people with disabilities after lengthy debate Monday at the midyear meeting in Austin, Texas.

Feb 17, 2020 4:17 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: New win for flag burner in SCOTUS case; Johnson & Johnson seeks mistrial for stricken closing

News Roundup

Sep 11, 2019 4:00 PM CDT

European travel disputes are on Flightright’s legal tech radar

Ari Kaplan recently spoke with Philipp Kadelbach, the founder of Flightright, an automated service that helps passengers check and assert their compensation claims in Europe.

Aug 23, 2019 7:00 AM CDT

Boeing’s legal troubles over airplane grounding could just be taking off

Nearly three dozen lawsuits have been filed against Boeing since its 737 Max 8 aircraft operated by Lion Air crashed in Indonesia on Oct. 29, killing all 189 people aboard. Now that an Ethiopian Air flight in a 737 Max 8 crashed in Ethiopia on March 10 and killed 157…

Mar 14, 2019 2:53 PM CDT

Want to fly a drone? You have to play by the rules

The first full day of ABA Techshow 2019 kicked off with a buzz as a small, black multi-propellered flying object zipped through a ballroom at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.

Feb 28, 2019 11:45 AM CST