Aviation Associate

The Firm A leading Am Law firm renowned for its strength in aviation, transportation, regulatory, and government affairs matters is seeking a 4-6 year Associate to join its highly regarded Aviation team in Washington, D.C. This is an opportunity to advise major airlines, airports, and industry stakeholders on the legal and regulatory issues shaping the future of the aviation sector while leveraging the resources, platform, and global reach of one of the country's most well-connected law firms. You will join a nationally recognised practice that sits at the intersection of aviation, regulatory law, public policy, and commercial strategy. Working alongside market-leading practitioners and former government officials, you will advise clients on high-profile industry developments, complex regulatory challenges, and business-critical commercial matters. The team offers a unique combination of sophisticated regulatory counselling, direct client exposure, and meaningful responsibility from day one, all within a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture that has made the firm a destination for lawyers seeking both professional growth and long-term career opportunities. What you will be doing day-to-day * Advising airlines, airports, and other industry participants on complex aviation regulatory and commercial matters * Handling airline licensing, certification, compliance, and operational issues before key regulatory bodies * Counselling clients on aviation antitrust and competition matters, including strategic commercial arrangements and industry transactions * Advising on marketing, distribution, consumer protection, customs, trade, and cross-border transportation regulations * Supporting clients with aviation safety and security compliance matters and regulatory risk management * Managing regulatory investigations, agency inquiries, and interactions with organizations such as the DOT, FAA, TSA, CBP, and other governmental authorities * Assisting clients with industry advocacy efforts, policy development initiatives, and strategic regulatory planning * Working closely with partners and clients on significant legal and regulatory developments affecting the aviation sector * Contributing to client alerts, industry publications, speaking engagements, and thought leadership initiatives to help build both the practice and your profile within the aviation industry What You Will Have * 4-6 years of aviation, regulatory, antitrust, transportation, or related legal experience * Experience working with or before agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or similar regulatory bodies is preferred * Strong analytical, drafting, and problem-solving abilities * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * The ability to manage matters independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment * A genuine interest in the aviation industry and its evolving regulatory landscape * Admission to practice in Washington, D.C., or the ability to obtain admission promptly Why Join? * Work directly on high-profile aviation regulatory and commercial matters * Gain significant client contact and responsibility in a lean, collaborative team * Develop expertise across a broad range of aviation legal issues * Contribute to industry thought leadership and business development initiatives * Join a growing practice with strong momentum and long-term career opportunities This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys sophisticated regulatory work, has a passion for the aviation sector, and is looking for a platform that offers meaningful responsibility, intellectual challenge, and the opportunity to become a recognised adviser within the industry. For more information please get in touch for a confidential conversation.