Ranking tables

Aviation | UK

UK-wide

This section includes the leading law firms and lawyers who specialise in the aviation sector. Law firms' departments are ranked in the overarching Aviation table. Lawyers can be ranked for their specific specialisms in the Claimant, Insurance, Regulatory and Dispute Resolution tables. Insurance includes the leading lawyers for insurance in the aviation sector. These individuals most likely advise insurance companies and/or the insured and are capable of representing them at the highest level. Lawyers are assessed on their ability to advise on a range of insurance matters, including third-party claims, claims settlements, coverage, litigation and other aspects of liability. Regulatory covers lawyers with specialist expertise concerning the regulation of the aviation industry, including proceedings involving the European Commission, UK Civil Aviation Authority, UK Office of Fair Trading and ABTA.   Claimant covers lawyers who assist victims and their families in claims arising from both commercial and non-commercial aviation accidents.   Dispute Resolution  covers non-insurance related disputes concerning the activities of aviation sector entities. 

All Departments profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Clyde & Co LLP
    1
    Clyde & Co LLP
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 1 | 13 Years Ranked
    Clyde & Co boasts a premier team with capability across the range of UK and international aviation law mandates. It provides significant expertise in insured liability claims for airlines, as well as dispute resolution, regulatory and finance work. The team represents an impressive array of airlines, from budget operators to flag carriers, and is particularly renowned for its global reach and expertise.
  2. HFW
    1
    HFW
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 1 | 13 Years Ranked
    Highly reputed for its aviation liability practice and ability to handle multi-jurisdictional claims, HFW advises an impressive roster of clients, including airlines and manufacturers. The team has additional expertise in aviation regulatory work and is also active on transactional matters, including complex aircraft leasing deals and insolvencies.
  3. Norton Rose Fulbright
    1
    Norton Rose Fulbright
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 1 | 13 Years Ranked
    Norton Rose Fulbright enjoys an excellent reputation for the strength of its aviation asset finance practice. The team also excels in advising clients on regulatory and competition law matters, and routinely attracts mandates from a wide range of clients, including airlines and lessors. An additional area of strength for the team is its handling of contentious matters, particularly contractual and leasing disputes. It is also highly experienced in multi-jurisdictional matters, with notable global reach.
2

Band 2

  1. DLA Piper LLP
    2
    DLA Piper LLP
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 2 | 13 Years Ranked
    DLA Piper offers a comprehensive aviation service that advises on regulatory concerns, litigation and transactions, with notable experience in insurance matters. Its clients include large UK carriers as well as leading aviation insurers and international airlines. The team is able to leverage its vast global network to coordinate multijurisdictional disputes and advise clients on UK, EU and international regulations, and its lawyers act as regular advisers on ground-handling matters and issues surrounding slot allocation.
  2. Stephenson Harwood LLP
    2
    Stephenson Harwood LLP
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 2 | 13 Years Ranked
    Stephenson Harwood is renowned for its ability to handle aviation finance, leasing and aviation litigation matters on a global level. The team is particularly well known for its accomplished representation in international arbitration. Its lawyers maintain strong relationships with a number of key airlines, and also have experience of representing major banks and aircraft lessors. It also offers additional strength in providing regulatory advice.
  3. Kennedys
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 2
3

Band 3

  1. Bird & Bird
    3
    Bird & Bird
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 3 | 13 Years Ranked
    Bird & Bird enjoys extensive experience across a broad range of aviation law concerns, including aircraft financing, insurance, regulatory matters and competition. The firm is regularly instructed by airlines, as well as lessors and further advises on a range of commercial concerns, including data protection, IP and supply agreements. The team also includes expertise in the emerging field of UAS and drones.
  2. Herbert Smith Freehills
    3
    Herbert Smith Freehills
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years Ranked
    Herbert Smith Freehills provides clients with a broad range of technical expertise from across the firm. Its well-regarded litigation and commercial practice is particularly noted for its prowess in the field of airport slot financing. Its key clients include high-profile airlines and airports. The firm also advises a variety of parties in relation to changing UK and EU regulations.
4

Band 4

  1. 4
    Holland & Knight (UK) LLP
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 4 | 13 Years Ranked
    Holland & Knight's clients benefit from international resources, particularly across the USA, on complex multijurisdictional matters. The team provides clients with a range of regulatory and commercial advice, and also advises on leasing and contract disputes. Its lawyers act for a diverse range of bodies within the aviation sector, including financial service providers, lessors, aircraft suppliers and international airlines.
  2. Weightmans
    4
    Weightmans
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Weightmans often acts for both insurers and airlines across a range of matters. It has particular strength in handling subrogation claims and claims for damages and failures to pay. The team also defends against claims brought by passengers and has experience in matters involving fatal accidents.
  3. DAC Beachcroft LLP
    Aviation
    2025 | Band 4