Though both piloting and serving on a flight crew are more-than-worthwhile career paths for those interested in aviation, others who are looking to contribute to the vast and essential industry in a different manner may consider a career in aviation law. 

While becoming an aviation lawyer is not for everyone, it can be especially rewarding, offering opportunities to represent a diverse group of potential clients tackling complex and consequential matters.

Becoming an Aviation Attorney Begins With Becoming a Traditional Lawyer

Individuals who wish to represent clients before any courts and tribunals must start their career journey at law school. 

After completing an accredited baccalaureate program and earning your bachelor’s degree, you can take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and apply for admission to law school. Once admitted, completing your law degree usually takes three years of full-time study.

Some law schools may offer courses that focus on aviation law. Taking such classes can demonstrate your interest in the particular area of law to future employers. It may also open up internship opportunities for you as a law student that can develop into career options once you graduate. 

Depending on where you wish for your career to take you, you will likely need to apply for and complete one or more law examinations. Every state has requirements aspiring lawyers must meet before they can practice law in their courts. Similarly, foreign countries have separate requirements individuals must meet to practice as attorneys in those jurisdictions.

Careers For Lawyers in Aviation Law

Once someone is a licensed attorney, their career in aviation law may lead them to represent any of the following clients:

Air Carriers

There are approximately five dozen air carriers in the United States alone, with many others headquartered abroad. These are for-profit companies whose lawyers help negotiate mergers (and other business contracts), tackle employment law issues between the carrier and its workforce, and navigate national and international air travel rules.

In the event of an aviation accident, an air carrier’s attorney would attempt to determine the carrier’s liability for damages and seek a resolution that minimizes that exposure.

Airports

Airport operators often require separate legal counsel, as their interests sometimes diverge from those of the air carriers. 

As a lawyer representing an airport’s operating board, you could be involved in resolving employment disputes, land acquisition deals for expansion projects, and environmental law matters. For example, you could be instrumental in resolving a conflict between the airport and nearby homeowners upset by the jet noise they hear.

You would also advise the operating board on new legislation and regulations that affect the airport’s operations. Should an accident happen at the airport, you may be called upon to help the airport minimize its legal liability while also considering the impact the matter might have on its reputation and profitability.

Aviation Companies

Boeing, Airbus SE, and Textron Aviation are a few companies involved in designing and manufacturing aircraft for commercial and other uses. These companies employ lawyers who draft and review contracts while sometimes navigating international treaties and agreements. 

In other cases, the contracts may be with governments, such as when the U.S. military contracts with Boeing for a new military aircraft. These companies may also employ lawyers to help them advocate laws for favorable labor and other regulations.

Government Agencies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are just two examples of federal agencies whose work impacts aerial activity in the United States. 

These agencies are responsible for drafting new and updated safety regulations, guidelines, and other air operations authorities. As an attorney for either of them, you could be involved in drafting these rules. Alternatively, you could be part of a team that identifies and penalizes carriers and others who violate them.

Interest Groups

You may not want to represent a corporate or government client, yet you may also prefer not to represent individual clients. With that in mind, a career as an aviation lawyer for a particular interest group might be the perfect fit. Working for the International Civil Aviation Organization or similar groups can give you a voice in shaping a better future for aviation.

Private Travelers

For attorneys who prefer to work with people one-on-one, your interest in aviation law could lead you to a career representing aggrieved travelers and their families. Most often, these clients would be hurt or have their property lost or damaged due to an air carrier’s or other’s negligent acts.

These attorneys often provide hope and comfort for passengers afraid to assert their rights against air carriers. In turn, you can find fulfillment in knowing that you are helping someone who has been hurt get the acknowledgment and compensation they deserve.

Law-Adjacent Careers in Aviation Law

You do not necessarily have to become a lawyer to have a career in aviation law. Numerous roles and career paths require a working knowledge of current aviation rules and regulations but do not require you to represent any clients. 

Some of these careers are as follows:

• Air traffic controllers
• Legal support personnel
• Policy experts
• Investigators and safety inspectors
• Lobbyists

The key difference between working as an aviation lawyer and working in the general field of aviation law is representing clients. A lawyer will speak up and advocate for their client’s interests in a court, meeting room, or around a negotiating table. 

Conversely, others who are not lawyers may have information and insights to help their employer’s position. However, they do not claim to speak on behalf of the company in a courtroom or similar setting.

Aviation Law: A Field As Broad As the Sky

No matter how you developed an interest in aviation or aviation law, there is a way to use your talents and interests to help build a better, stronger, and safer industry. 

From representing air carriers in large, complex transactions to getting justice for the passenger who was illegally discriminated against, there is a need for talented individuals committed to protecting and asserting the rights of everyone who shares the skies.