How to Become an Aviation Attorney
Flying the skies in your own private plane and living in an extraordinary mansion does have its perks, but becoming an aviation attorney does not guarantee anything but extremely hard work. Aviation law spawns some of the most litigious class action suits requiring numerous depositions, documents, hearings, trials and appeals. It covers airplane disasters, space shuttles, contracts and FAA issues. The rewards may be good when you win, but if you lose, the costs are astronomical. This is one reason most aviation attorneys work for the top firms in the country rather than as sole proprietors.
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Instructions
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Attend an ABA law school, preferably the top ten. Join one of the fraternities or sororities and network. Build long-term bonds with members whose parents are influential and have powerful connections. Make a name for yourself by joining activities that showcase your talents, such as the law review, moot court or debate team.
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Graduate law school and prepare for the bar exam. Take preparatory courses and study each day. Pass the bar on the first attempt.
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Apply to an internship at a major law firm while waiting for the results. Use your contacts from law school to recommend you to named partners at law firms. Emphasize on your resume and in interviews that your main focus is aviation law and class action suits.
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Work long hours as an intern. Ask for additional assignments and complete them before deadlines, if possible. Avoid office politics and be courteous to all to build a solid reputation.
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Notify the law firm once you pass the bar. Ask if the firm would keep you on as an attorney. Accept the position, if offered, and if not, inform them politely you will continue interning while sending out your resume.
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Research the top ten firms handling aviation lawsuits by looking in the legal directories and using your law school contacts. Decide if you prefer to represent the insurance company or the plaintiff. Send out your resume to these firms. Highlight your current experience and eagerness to focus on the aviation field. Add any aviation experience you may possess, such as piloting a plane or working on engines.
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Show up for each interview in a clean, pressed suit. Send "thank-you" letters after the interview. Change your suit if there are multiple interviews with the same companies. Negotiate the terms of your employment contract, when offered. Join trade organizations.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply for certification in Florida after five years of aviation experience, 60 continuing credits specific to aviation and pass the one-day exam.
References
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