Christopher S. Hickey, Partner

Chris has defended numerous aviation industry manufacturers and maintenance providers in litigation stemming from aircraft accidents and aircraft-related incidents. These matters have ranged from simple personal injury and property damage cases to major air disasters, and include: the defense of a major petroleum company against claims stemming from the crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, defense of a Japanese aircraft component manufacturer against tort and contract warranty claims arising from nose landing gear collapse incidents, and defense of various helicopter manufacturers in matters stemming from accidents in the U.S., Canada, China, Turkey and Russia. Chris has experience representing both U.S. and international manufacturers and has defended cases at both the trial and appellate levels.

Chris' representation of the firm's clients also entails providing advice as to contractual warranty provisions and assisting clients during contract negotiations. He also periodically presents seminars designed to help aviation companies take steps to prevent and adequately prepare for litigation and has also written articles on recent developments in the areas of electronic discovery, spoliation of evidence and international treaties impacting aviation litigation.

Chris is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Aviation Insurance Association, Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots' Association.

Chris is also a captain in the reserve component of the United States Air Force, currently serving as a Judge Advocate. Through his military duty, Chris has gained significant experience in Military Courts-Martial litigation and environmental, personnel and government contracts law. He has also completed the USAF's Accident Investigation Board course and has served as the legal advisor to USAF aircraft accident investigations.