With a civil litigation practice that encompasses a wide array of personal and business disputes, Rick is an AV rated lawyer who specializes in the defense of aviation, products liability and civil rights cases. Rick also represents clients in matters before the appellate courts, both in the context of appeals and extraordinary writ proceedings and represents and counsels employers and employees in employment disputes. A San Francisco native, Rick has nearly 30 years of experience representing individuals and businesses in litigation and providing them with legal counseling.
Rick represents clients across a wide spectrum of the field of aviation, including commercial air carriers, airport operators, aircraft and component part manufacturers, entities interested in safely and legally operating unmanned aircraft systems (“drones”), and in managing potential risks posed thereby, fixed base operators, repair facilities, flight clubs, schools and instructors, private aircraft owners and pilots, and aviation security contractors, among others.
Particularly in connection with legal issues which can arise in airline claims and litigation, Rick serves as national counsel for some of the largest air carriers. In that role, he represents clients and assists in airline litigation throughout the nation and in foreign jurisdictions and provides counsel and guidance in matters of policy and risk management. Rick frequently provides representation of this kind in cases, claims and even routine client inquiries involving treaties applicable to international air transportation, transportation of passengers with special needs (including passengers with disabilities and unaccompanied minors), unruly passengers and denial of transportation, federal preemption, in-flight medical emergencies, aviation security and war risk insurance and terrorism-related claims. Rick speaks on these and other issues at forums throughout the United States.
Rick also represents manufacturers and designers of a wide range of products ranging from household appliances to security systems utilized in modern maximum security detention facilities to sophisticated aircraft and their component parts. He also represents private employers and public entities in suits alleging discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender and medical condition, both in employment and in the provision of services and represents public entities, including in cases charging police misconduct and violation of civil rights.
An effective appellate advocate, Rick also has substantial experience briefing and arguing appeals and interlocutory writs in the California Court of Appeal and in the United States Court of Appeals.