Spirit Airlines has received initial approval to pay bonuses to executives as part of its wind-down strategy. This decision comes amid ongoing operational challenges and the company’s efforts to ensure a smooth transition during its current phase. The plan aims to retain key leaders during a critical period as the airline restructures its operations. According…
In a significant new development in the litigation following the devastating crash of Lion Air Flight 610, an Indonesian widow is taking legal action against Podhurst Orseck PA and one of its attorneys. Filed in an Illinois federal court, the lawsuit alleges that the law firm failed to keep her adequately informed and deprived her…
In a recent development in the competitive landscape of electric air taxi innovation, a California federal magistrate judge has ruled that Joby Aviation can advance its lawsuit against Archer Aviation. The suit, focusing on the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets, has been pared down but remains a significant legal challenge for Archer. The judge dismissed…
The recent hearings by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have placed a spotlight on the catastrophic communication failures that led to the crash of a UPS cargo plane during its takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, on November 4, 2025. This tragic incident, involving crucial lapses in protocol, has raised significant alarm among legal experts and…
A federal jury has awarded $49.5 million to the family of Samya Stumo, a passenger who died in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash involving a Boeing 737 Max. The decision concluded after just two hours of deliberation, reflecting the jury’s unanimous stance on Boeing’s culpability. This verdict is part of a broader legal landscape in…
The United States Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that freight brokers can be subject to negligent hiring lawsuits under state law, thereby excluding them from protection under federal legislation—specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) of 1994. This landmark decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II has significant ramifications for freight brokers, shippers, and…
Blank Rome LLP has expanded its Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy practice by welcoming Buffey E. Klein as a partner in its Dallas office. Klein, previously the Dallas Office Managing Partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, brings over 25 years of experience in commercial bankruptcy, insolvency, and litigation. She represents national and regional financial institutions, creditors, lenders,…
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to review a case that has significant implications for freight brokers dealing with state liability issues. This decision allows a lower court ruling to stand, which holds that freight brokers can be liable under state law for their role in transportation-related incidents. The case in question involved a…
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has announced a significant addition to its Boston team with the hiring of Stephen Zide, the former General Counsel for Collins Aerospace. Zide’s background in managing legal operations for a leading aerospace and defense company promises to bring valuable insights and expertise to Skadden’s corporate operations and global…
Delta Air Lines recently made headlines with the notable career movement of its legal chief, Peter Carter, who experienced a salary reduction prior to receiving a new promotion. This change reflects a unique trajectory for Carter, whose compensation diminished just before stepping into an enhanced role within the corporation’s hierarchy. According to a report, Carter’s…
Alphabet Inc.’s Chief Legal Officer, Kent Walker, received a total compensation of $29 million in 2025, marking a slight decrease from his $30.2 million package in 2024. This information was disclosed in the company’s recent proxy statement. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/in-house-counsel/alphabet-legal-chiefs-pay-package-dipped-to-29-million-in-2025?utm_source=openai)) Walker, who also serves as Alphabet’s Secretary and President of Global Affairs, has been with the company…
The Supreme Court has remanded a significant case to the federal courts, concerning a lawsuit that seeks to hold oil and gas companies accountable for environmental damage along the Louisiana coast. This case, brought forth by several Louisiana parishes, emerged after complaints were filed more than a decade ago in state court, arguing that these…
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of oil and gas companies, granting their request to move a lawsuit concerning environmental damage to Louisiana’s coastline back to federal court. The case involves several Louisiana parishes that initially filed the lawsuit in state court, charging the companies with violations of state environmental…
The legal skirmish between Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation underscores the fierce competition to dominate the burgeoning electric air-taxi market. Recent filings in federal court reveal a complex web of allegations as the two companies contend over business practices that could shape their competitive edge. Archer Aviation has made claims that its rival, Joby, secretly…
In a significant move indicative of the fierce talent war among corporations, American Airlines has successfully enticed Anthony “Tony” Richmond, a seasoned attorney from Latham & Watkins, to join its ranks. Richmond, who spent 29 years at the law firm, built a robust clientele, including giants like Airbnb and Broadcom. His transition underscores the strategic…
The legal landscape surrounding the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines in 2024 has taken a decisive turn. A federal judge recently overseeing the consumer lawsuit challenging the merger announced his intention to disqualify himself from the case. This move stems from his financial ties to O’Melveny & Myers LLP, a firm representing Alaska…
Hermeus, a venture-backed defense aviation company, has appointed Kim Nakamaru as General Counsel and a member of its Executive Leadership Team. Nakamaru brings over 15 years of experience advising public and private companies, with a decade spent in aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing. She joins Hermeus from Relativity Space, where she served as General Counsel…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated an investigation concerning Joby Aviation, a prominent player in the evolving electric air taxi industry. This inquiry seeks to determine whether Joby Aviation’s imported materials infringe on the patents held by a rival company, highlighting a critical legal battle in the realm of aviation innovation. Joby Aviation,…
A patent dispute has emerged involving JetSuiteX Inc., a public charter operator accused of infringing upon call routing and auction system patents. The patent holder filed a lawsuit in a Texas federal court, alleging JetSuiteX misappropriated its intellectual property. The case revolves around technology crucial to efficiently managing and routing calls, which has become increasingly…
Archer Aviation is intensifying its legal battle against Joby Aviation, urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to probe the alleged use of imported materials that infringe on its patents. This move comes as the two electric air taxi innovators are already entrenched in legal proceedings in California federal court, with Archer accusing Joby of…
In a recent legal development, Archer Aviation has launched counterclaims against its competitor, Joby Aviation, amid a contentious trade secret lawsuit. Archer alleges that Joby engaged in unfair competition by allegedly concealing its connections to China-based suppliers and misclassifying its imports in an attempt to avoid hefty tariffs. The accusations come at a critical time…
In a notable financial development amidst demanding times for the aviation giant, Boeing’s Chief Legal Officer (CLO) recently saw a substantial compensation increase of $2.5 million. This boost comes as the company navigates significant challenges, including ongoing regulatory scrutiny and financial hurdles that have marked its recent history. The increase in the CLO’s remuneration reflects…
The Supreme Court recently entertained oral arguments in the case of Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, a pivotal matter addressing whether the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (FAAAA) preempts state laws that permit negligent hiring claims against freight brokers. This legal question has rallied significant interest from industry heavyweights and legal scholars,…
In an unusual incident that underscores the complexities of modern border security and military coordination, the U.S. military mistakenly downed a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone using a laser-based anti-drone system. This incident occurred near the Mexican border, an area often affected by cross-border incursions from drones reportedly utilized by drug cartels. Reports from…
The legal landscape for freight brokers may be on the verge of a significant shift as the Supreme Court hears arguments in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II scheduled for March 4. The central issue involves whether the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (FAAAA) preempts state common-law claims that could hold freight brokers liable…