In an announcement made this week, DLA Piper welcomed Marc Nichols as a partner and co-chair of its transportation practice based in Washington, D.C. Nichols transitions to this role following his tenure as Chief Counsel at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). At the FAA, Nichols offered counsel on a variety of aviation and aerospace matters, focusing on regulatory compliance, litigation, and emerging technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems.
His move to DLA Piper is expected to significantly bolster the firm’s capacity to navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving transportation sector, bringing valuable insights from his time managing legal frameworks for both traditional aviation issues and innovative technology applications, including vertical take-off-and-landing aircraft. This strategic appointment underscores the broader trend of major law firms enhancing their expertise in specialized areas like transportation to remain competitive in delivering comprehensive legal solutions.
As the industry witnesses a shift towards integrating advanced technologies, DLA Piper’s decision to bring on an experienced professional like Nichols aligns with its objective to adapt to and lead in new regulatory landscapes. This expertise will likely resonate well with their corporate clients seeking guidance in an era where aviation and technology continually intersect.