Cranfill Sumner LLP

The Aviation Law Practice Group at CSH Law is comprised of attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge of the issues facing the aviation industry. Practice Group Chair Susan Hofer is an FAA certificated pilot and FAA certified sUAS (Drone) Remote Pilot, who enjoys flying in her free time. Susan’s love of flying and her technical background in patent research give the Aviation Law team the advantage in effectively approaching and evaluating complex aviation cases by engaging and communicating with aviation clients and experts on many aviation industry, commercial and technical issues.

WHAT WE DO

The Aviation Law team helps aviation industry companies by:

• Investigating accidents and incidents involving aircraft and aviation products pre-suit for assessment of liability exposure and strategic defense planning;
• Handling insurance and workers’ compensation claims involving commercial, charter, and general aviation aircraft accidents and incidents, premises liability, as well as aviation insurance coverage litigation;
• Representing clients in all phases of litigation, including resolution of matters in settlement negotiations or mediated settlement conferences;
• Protecting your interests in aviation lawsuits at trial in the State and Federal courts, as well as aviation arbitrations and appeals;
• Providing legal advice as part of our representation of major air carriers, manufacturers, Part 135 operators, general aviation pilots, Fixed Base Operators, airports, aircraft owners and mechanics, and other airport vendors;
• Handling cases involving aviation products liability for manufacturing, technology and service companies that support the aviation industry;
• Handling aviation matters involving breach of contract, breach of warranties and related contractual claims;
• Protecting aviation and drone company’s trademarks and intellectual property rights;
• Analyzing global trade issues for aircraft and aircraft parts manufactures and distributors, including review and assistance with development of company policies on U.S customs and export regulations, including ITAR, EAR and OFAC compliance;
• Preparing and reviewing aviation contracts for companies with global business partners, including international supplier and/or distributor agreements, commercial contracts, commercial invoices, non-disclosure agreements;
• Counseling on international dispute resolution mechanisms, including international arbitration clauses, choice of law provisions and venue selection for companies in the aviation industry;
• Representing pilots, mechanics, and schools in FAA enforcement and civil penalty actions.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Members of our Aviation Law team belong to several aviation organizations including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Legal Service Plan Attorneys, Aviation Insurance Association (AIA), International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), International Air & Transportation Safety Bar Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Organization of Flying Adjusters, and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Susan Hofer was also President of the Lawyer Pilots Bar Association, and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

The Aviation Law team has experience in litigation in several states involving aviation accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage, as well as providing analysis of issues involving aviation expert witness challenges, aircraft valuation and damages. Our attorneys regularly speak on aviation industry specific issues including Drone law, international commercial disputes in aviation, and IP and liability issues facing aviation and drone businesses.

Attorney Russell Racine has assisted aviation industry clients with obtaining, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights including patents and trademark registrations at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Our IP Practice Group is also familiar with EU regulations and has handled patent applications for international protection.

Additionally, Partner Mica Worthy is also a Certified Global Business Professional licensed by NASBITE® to advise on international business issues. As a graduate of the Cologne Academy on International Commercial Arbitration and former adjunct professor of International Commercial Arbitration at the Charlotte School of Law, she also provides in-depth experience and knowledge on the issues facing clients with global operations in the aviation industry. She has also handled products liability and breach of contract issues involving international sales law.

Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog is committed to a work environment that welcomes, nurtures, and honors the contributions of individuals who bring a variety of talents, experiences, and backgrounds to our firm.  We believe we work best with clients, judges, juries, other attorneys, and each other when we reflect the richness of our community and world.

• Our Diversity Committee meets regularly to assess our diversity efforts and create new initiatives. The committee is made up of partners, associates, and staff from our three offices, and includes representatives from the Management Committee, Human Resources, and Recruiting.
• We are committed to recruiting attorneys and staff through minority job fairs and at historically black colleges and universities, and by identifying and participating in other programs in the legal community designed to increase minority hiring.
• Our firm is an outstanding place for women to practice law.  Our female attorneys constitute 30% of our partners and 54% of our associates, and women fully participate in all aspects of firm leadership. 
• Our training and mentoring is designed to develop and support attorneys and staff and encourage an environment of inclusivity and sensitivity.
• We make work/life balance a priority and recognize that excellence is not compromised by flexibility and innovation.
• Our employees are active and engaged in their communities through volunteer activities, charitable giving, and pro bono projects.

1. To recruit, hire, train, mentor, and develop attorneys and staff who reflect the richness and diversity of the world we live in and the communities we serve.
2. To foster a work environment where all individuals are supported and valued.
3. To increase awareness of, and sensitivity to, the differences in the cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of our employees, clients, and colleagues.  
4. To engage in a coordinated program of civic activism, charitable giving, and pro bono projects that focus on improving and strengthening our community.

• Raleigh, NC
  5420 Wade Park Boulevard, Suite 300
  Raleigh, NC 27607
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