North America - United States • Transport
Hogan Lovells US LLP
According to clients, Hogan Lovells US LLP has ‘the most knowledgeable, well-informed practice around’. In addition to its traditional aviation work, the Washington DC-based practice stands out for its drone-related credentials: Recent highlights include assisting drone manufacturer Pyka with securing approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate (commercially nationwide) its zero-emission, highly-automated Pelican Spray uncrewed aircraft. The team also routinely works with American Airlines’ regulatory affairs team on FAA and US Department of Transportation (DOT) issues. Consistently mandated by airlines and aerospace companies, Robert Cohn is highly rated for his aviation-related regulatory, transactional, litigation and government relations advice. As chair of the firm’s global uncrewed aircraft systems practice, Lisa Ellman further serves as executive director of the Commercial Drone Alliance (an independent non-profit industry organization). Also integral to the group are Patrick Rizzi, who regularly acts before the DOT and FAA, and former FAA chief counsel (and acting deputy administrator) Arjun Garg, whose ’experience is extremely valuable to clients’ and who recently advised the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Tennessee) on FAA policy in relation to an airport’s change in control. The next line of active practitioners includes Matthew Clark, an expert in federal regulatory issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Great aviation regulatory team!’
- ‘Hogan Lovells is the most knowledgeable, well-informed practice around.’
- ‘Exceptional and timely delivery of services - the best, especially in the area of aviation and uncrewed systems.’
- ‘This team has more expertise in FAA matters than any other firm. They are recognized as leaders in the field for a reason.’
- ‘The individuals are what make HL so special. The people are consummate professionals who are always interested in clients’ issues, take the appropriate time to understand them, and offer meaningful solutions. They always go the extra mile.’
- ‘There is not one area of the law or a foreign country where Hogan Lovells does not have subject matter experts.’
- ‘Robert Cohn and Pat Rizzi are phenomenal resources.’
- ‘Arjun Garg is incredibly responsive and has keen insights into FAA policies and importantly, personnel. Arjun's experience is extremely valuable to clients. No matter the issue, Arjun is either capable of expertly handling the issue, or he quickly assembles a team of subject experts to assist.’
Key clients
- Airobotics
- American Airlines
- Atlas Air
- Florida Power and Light
- Major League Baseball
- Pyka
- Republic Airways
- Sustainable Skylines
- WestJet
- Zipline
Work highlights
- Achieved a major result for drone manufacturer Pyka in securing approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate (commercially nationwide) its zero-emission, highly-automated Pelican Spray uncrewed aircraft.
- Regularly works alongside American Airlines’ regulatory affairs team (as aviation regulatory counsel) on FAA and US Department of Transportation issues.
- Advised Atlas Air on aviation regulatory, FCC and government contract matters, in conjunction with the purchase of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (its parent company) for over $3bn by an investor group consortium.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Lisa Ellman, Arjun Garg, Pat Rizzi