Richard “Rich” Richards is Chair of the firm’s Aviation Practice, bringing more than twenty‑nine years of experience advising clients on complex aviation and airport matters. A Florida Bar Board Certified specialist in Aviation Law, Mr. Richards counsels U.S. and international clients on the full spectrum of aviation legal issues, combining deep industry knowledge with seasoned advocacy.

Mr. Richards represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs), and other airport tenants and developers in connection with leasing, land use, and development projects on and adjacent to airport property. His practice encompasses high‑stakes litigation, corporate and transactional matters, trustee services for foreign ownership of U.S.‑registered aircraft, aircraft sales and leasing, transactions with manufacturers, aviation finance, repossessions and seizures, and regulatory compliance before the FAA and DOT. He also advises on aviation insurance and claims, air carrier certification, and aviation labor and employment matters, including the defense of FLSA claims and EEOC charges.

Before joining the Firm, Mr. Richards most recently served as managing partner of his own boutique aviation law practice, representing a diverse roster of clients in complex aviation matters. Earlier in his career, he chaired the Aviation Department at a prominent South Florida law firm. His in‑house experience includes serving as Vice President and General Counsel of Arrow Air, Inc., a Miami‑based cargo airline, and as airport counsel to the Boca Raton Airport Authority.

A recognized leader in the aviation industry, Mr. Richards has played an instrumental role in legislative and policy initiatives affecting aviation businesses in Florida. As a board member and former President the Florida Aviation Business Association (FABA), he spearheaded successful advocacy to modernize Florida’s aircraft lien law, eliminating the possession requirement, working closely with legislators and industry stakeholders to secure enactment. He continues to represent clients and trade associations such as FABA and the National Air Transportation Association in legislative, regulatory, and governmental forums.

• General representation of clients in aviation and airport related litigation in State, Federal, Bankruptcy, FAA, DOT, OFAC, and EEOC proceedings.
• Extensive experience in the areas of aircraft transactions (purchase, sale and leasing) including trustee services in title and voting trusts for foreign ownership of U.S. registered aircraft, restructuring, bankruptcy, repossessions, insurance, air cargo claims, and general representation involving airlines, aircraft leasing companies, negotiations and dealings with aircraft manufacturers, governments and entrepreneurs in complex aviation transactions as well as all aspects of commercial litigation.
• General representation of Fixed Base Operators and other airport tenants including negotiations and presentations with airport sponsors, aviation departments, and County commissions regarding leases, development, fueling/vendor contracts, and litigation.
• General representation of developers in land use and approvals for construction on or near an airport.
• General representation of municipalities related to airport noise issues.
• General representation of banks and lenders in aircraft transactions, financing, and repossessions.
• General representation in insurance appointed defense including wrongful death claims.
• Airport counsel to an airport authority, including representation at monthly televised public board meetings, legal advice to Airport Manager and staff, representation of the authority in all legal facets of airport operations including contracts/leases, land use, government grants, tenant issues, aircraft noise abatement programs, and representation of the authority before the FAA including the Airports Division in Washington D.C. and the FAA Airports District Office in Orlando, Florida.
• General Counsel to two international airlines with 500+ employees and annual revenues of over $150 million, including oversight of two successful bankruptcy Chapter 11 reorganizations.
• Negotiations of various commercial loan and finance agreements including, extensive aircraft and engine lease agreements, credit agreements, restructuring agreements with bondholders, and general financing agreements with trade creditors.
• Effectuate corporate mergers and acquisitions, advice of proper corporate structure, advice to human resources departments, investigate violations of company policy with respect to sexual harassment, review and revise drug and alcohol policies, employee handbooks and affirmative action policies, defend against OSHA claims, whistleblower claims, EEOC charges, and process DOL affirmative action audits.
• Representation of factor companies and other non-traditional lenders in aviation and non-aviation transactions/litigation.
• Insurer appointed defense counsel of insured in including directors & officers defense and other covered aviation insurance claims.