What we say about the firm's legal practice in United States
Industry focus
Within Insurance: advice to insurers, tier 4
Condon & Forsyth LLP is a well-established boutique aviation defense firm which focuses on advising insurance clients in the aviation sector, and is recognised by peers for its niche expertise. It regularly advises on policy issues in this space, including the interpretation of the contractual liability exclusion, provisions granting insurers the rights to settle third-party litigation over the objection of the insured, and liability extensions covering certain intentional torts. Stephen Stegich and Katherine Posner lead the coverage practice from the New York office, while the Los Angeles practice group is led by Roderick Margo. The firm is representing London underwriters in pending litigation in federal court in connection with alleged conversion claims brought by aircraft financiers named as additional insureds under a bankrupt airline’s aviation hull policy.
Litigation
Within Product liability and mass tort defense: aerospace/aviation, Condon & Forsyth LLP is a first tier firm,
Condon & Forsyth LLP’s ‘widely admired’ practice provides ‘a consistently high level of service’ and continues to enjoy a solid reputation as one of the leading firms for aerospace mass tort and product liability litigation. Its attributes include ‘industry knowledge that is always in-depth’ and its ‘excellent value for money’. Among the practice’s high-profile roles is its representation of American Airlines in property damage and wrongful death litigation arising from the World Trade Center terrorist attacks; and acting as lead counsel to Colgan Air regarding the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 near Buffalo, New York, in 2009. In the World Trade Center litigation, the group also acts as liaison counsel for all other airline, airport and security company defendants. It is also acting for Embraer in connection with the Henan Airlines ERJ-190 accident at Lindu Airport in China in August 2010. Other work includes representing parties in accidents arising from the Sudan Airways Flight 109 in Khartoum, Sudan; Airblue Flight 202 in Islamabad, Pakistan; and Aeroflot-Nord Flight 821 near Perm, Russia. Recent successes include the dismissal of a class action against British Airways in a case arising from transport disruptions involving more than 30,000 passengers. The Los Angeles office complements the New York team and is often involved in military product liability cases. The internationally renowned Desmond Barry and Christopher Christensen in New York, along with Los Angeles-based Frank Silane, ‘give practical and user-friendly advice’ and ‘look for solutions’. Also recommended are Scott Cunningham and Richard Lazenby in Los Angeles, as well as Stephen Stegich, David Harrington, John Horenstein and Marshall Turner in New York.