Ethan & Oakley Law Firm stands as a distinguished pillar in the domain of aviation law, representing clients with precision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a full-service legal establishment with a deep-rooted understanding of the global aviation industry, the firm has earned a formidable reputation for providing comprehensive legal counsel to airlines, aircraft manufacturers, aviation financiers, lessors, maintenance and repair organizations (MROs), regulatory agencies, insurers, and individual stakeholders engaged in the ever-evolving world of air transport and aerospace operations.
Comprehensive Scope of Aviation Legal Services
The Aviation Law Practice at Ethan & Oakley encompasses the full spectrum of legal issues affecting the aviation sector, both domestically and internationally. The firm’s team of aviation attorneys combines decades of collective experience in commercial, regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters, thereby ensuring a holistic and pragmatic approach to every case and client engagement.
The scope of services includes, but is not limited to:
1. Aircraft Acquisition, Leasing, and Finance
Ethan & Oakley provides end-to-end legal services relating to aircraft purchase, sale, finance, and leasing transactions. The firm drafts, reviews, and negotiates purchase agreements, operating leases, finance leases, wet and dry lease contracts, and related security documentation. The team ensures compliance with both domestic and international aviation authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). They also offer advisory on aircraft registration, title, and ownership structures in multiple jurisdictions.
2. Regulatory Compliance and Certification
The firm’s aviation lawyers are adept at navigating the intricate framework of national and international aviation regulatory regimes. Ethan & Oakley advises clients on certification requirements, air operator certificates (AOC), maintenance organization approvals, and the observance of airworthiness directives. The firm liaises with civil aviation authorities across multiple jurisdictions to facilitate seamless compliance with evolving safety, operational, and security standards.
3. Aviation Insurance and Risk Management
Ethan & Oakley offers specialized legal advice on aviation insurance matters, including hull, liability, war risk, and third-party coverage. The firm’s aviation insurance practice assists clients in drafting and negotiating insurance policies, managing claims, and providing representation in disputes involving insurers and reinsurers. The attorneys are particularly skilled in addressing complex claims arising from aircraft accidents, damage, cargo loss, or passenger injury.
4. Airline and Airport Operations
The firm represents both airlines and airport operators in all aspects of their operations. This includes drafting and negotiating ground handling agreements, airport use and slot allocation agreements, catering and service contracts, and issues arising under bilateral air service agreements. Ethan & Oakley further advises on compliance with consumer protection laws, passenger rights regulations, and airline liability under international conventions such as the Montreal Convention of 1999.
5. Aviation Litigation and Dispute Resolution
With a robust litigation practice, Ethan & Oakley represents clients before national courts, arbitration panels, and administrative tribunals in matters involving aircraft accidents, contractual disputes, regulatory enforcement, and negligence claims. The firm’s lawyers are well-versed in accident investigation proceedings, working in close collaboration with aviation safety authorities to protect the interests of clients while ensuring transparency and adherence to procedural standards.
6. Aerospace and Technology Development
The firm provides counsel on matters relating to aerospace innovation, drone (UAV) operations, and the development of emerging technologies within the aviation sector. This includes advising on regulatory approvals for unmanned aircraft systems, data protection compliance, and liability issues associated with autonomous flight operations and space-related endeavors.
7. Employment and Labor Relations in Aviation
Ethan & Oakley’s aviation employment practice focuses on the unique labor dynamics within airlines, airports, and maintenance facilities. The firm advises on employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, disciplinary proceedings, and compliance with international labor conventions relevant to the aviation sector.
8. Environmental and Safety Compliance
Recognizing the growing emphasis on sustainability, the firm assists clients in adhering to environmental laws affecting aircraft emissions, airport noise regulation, and carbon offsetting programs under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The attorneys also engage in policy advocacy for sustainable aviation initiatives.
9. Aviation Infrastructure and Project Development
Ethan & Oakley represents investors, developers, and public authorities in airport infrastructure development projects. Services include public-private partnership (PPP) structuring, concession agreements, construction and engineering contracts, and financing documentation related to airport expansions and terminal modernization projects.
10. Cross-Border Transactions and International Arbitration
With a global network of affiliates and correspondents, the firm manages cross-border aviation transactions and disputes requiring multi-jurisdictional expertise. Ethan & Oakley’s attorneys act in international arbitration proceedings under ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, and other leading arbitral frameworks, ensuring effective resolution of complex aviation-related conflicts.
Commitment to Excellence and Industry Insight
Ethan & Oakley’s aviation practice is distinguished not only by its legal acumen but also by its industry insight and technical understanding. The firm maintains active engagement with key aviation associations, regulatory bodies, and international organizations. Its attorneys routinely participate in policy formulation, industry conferences, and scholarly publications, contributing to the advancement of aviation jurisprudence and best practices.
The firm’s approach is client-centered, results-driven, and grounded in an unwavering commitment to integrity and professionalism. Ethan & Oakley recognizes that aviation law transcends conventional legal practice—it embodies a delicate balance between safety, commerce, and innovation. As such, the firm provides not only legal representation but also strategic counsel that anticipates risk, mitigates exposure, and fosters sustainable growth for all participants in the aviation ecosystem.
Global Reach with Local Expertise
With offices strategically located in major financial and aviation hubs, Ethan & Oakley Law Firm delivers both global perspective and localized legal knowledge. The firm’s attorneys are qualified across multiple jurisdictions, enabling clients to benefit from seamless cross-border representation. Whether advising on an international fleet acquisition, representing an airline in complex litigation, or structuring a multi-million-dollar aircraft finance transaction, Ethan & Oakley remains synonymous with precision, reliability, and excellence in aviation law.