With particular expertise in accident litigation matters, including fatal air crashes and wrongful death claims, the team at Cooley LLP routinely advises major air carriers and municipal authorities on a diverse range of litigation matters. Spearheading the team from San Diego, William O’Connor, as well as being an experienced pilot, is well-placed to handle ‘bet the company’ matters, alongside being frequently engaged by major aviation manufacturers. O’Connor is also highly experienced in high-profile aviation accident cases, with over twenty years of experience as a litigator. In Washington, Parker Erkmann is regarded for his extensive work in a range of antitrust, competition, and regulatory issues. Recent highlights for Erkmann include representing an airline before the FAA and DOT, as well as counseling a major airline in regulatory issues around transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Bell Helicopter Textron
- Textron, Inc.
- Cirrus Aircraft
- Aevex Aerospace/Ikhana Group
- MD Helicopters
- Town of East Hampton
- Mason Electric Company
Work highlights
Represents Bell Textron in a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit over a USMC MV-22B Osprey crash that killed five Marines. Plaintiffs allege design and manufacturing defects. The case is significant due to Congressional scrutiny of the Osprey program and its implications for military aviation safety.
Represents Textron and Textron Aviation in a large-scale dispute involving 700 Cessna TTx owners from 48 states and multiple countries, alleging structural and safety defects.
Represented Cirrus Aircraft in wrongful death litigation over a Cirrus SR20 crash. Secured dismissal in California and transferred parallel Minnesota case to Duluth, Cirrus’s home venue.
Practice head
William O’Connor
Other key lawyers
Parker Erkmann