Perkins Coie has one of the longest-standing product liability practices in the nation and the largest practice with a focus in aviation and satellite litigation. We advise and defend manufacturers in commercial, general and military aviation accidents and satellite cases.

Our practice includes fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, uncrewed vehicle systems, space vehicles, engines, navigation systems and component parts. We advise clients on risk management, represent clients in NTSB and foreign investigations, and defend claims in all phases of litigation throughout the world.

Perkins Coie’s global aviation practice has been ranked in national Band 1 by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 since 2009. In the most recent 2018 ranking of law firms for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation, Perkins Coie is the only firm in the nation ranked in Chambers’ highest Band 1 category. Chambers reports that Perkins Coie is “the go-to shop for high-profile aviation disputes.” In reaching this assessment, Chambers quoted from clients who have found that Perkins Coie “knows what we need to do to defend the company. They have an incredibly deep bench and lots of very experienced lawyers.” Other clients summarized our skills by saying, “They understand the technical side of [aviation claims] and the products involved – they give good, sound advice and strategy.” We have been at the forefront of advancing defenses that significantly reduce liability exposure, such as the government contractor defense and forum non conveniens. Similarly, we have successfully defended cases using the political question doctrine and the combatant activities exception to the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Our practice spans the globe. We have tried cases in many states, as well as conducted international arbitrations in Europe and Canada. Our lawyers have defended manufacturers in investigations and litigation in other countries, including Indonesia, France, Korea, Australia, Greece, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Our experience extends beyond dispute resolution to risk management and lawsuit prevention. We counsel manufacturers on contractual risk allocation, warnings and instructions, service bulletins and internal risk management processes. As part of our work keeping clients and their employees informed, we provide educational product liability seminars in which we present steps a company and its employees should take to ensure product safety and protect against liability.