Spotlight on . . . Drew Derco

April 19, 2017

Drew Derco joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office in 2011. He grew up in Ft. Myers, Florida, and now lives in Virginia with his wife Lisa, whom he met in college at Penn State, their three-year-old son, Will, and a labradoodle named Benton.

Drew counsels U.S. and foreign airlines on aviation regulatory and policy matters before a number of federal agencies. He handles all phases of the airline start-up process and assists foreign airlines with the launch of U.S. service. He assists U.S. and foreign carrier clients in obtaining permit, exemption, and code-share authority from the Department of Transportation’s Office of International Aviation, and negotiates airport lease and use agreements. Drew also advises clients on regulatory compliance issues and supports clients in preparing for and defending litigation, investigations, audits, and major enforcement actions.

Prior to joining the firm, Drew advised members of the defense industry on both domestic and international regulatory compliance issues, licensing, and import/export controls.

 

Q&A

What led you to pursue a career in law?

I was picked to play the prosecutor in a mock trial in my high school government class.  From then on, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer.

What do you enjoy most about your practice?

I enjoy the fast-paced nature of aviation and having the opportunity, as U.S. regulatory counsel to numerous foreign airlines, to advise clients on a broad range of legal and business issues here in the United States. 

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a marine biologist.

What’s the last show you binge-watched?

Caught up on the last season of Homeland.

If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be?

In no particular order, Anthony Bourdain, Winston Churchill, Arnold Palmer.

Who or what inspires you?

My son.  It’s amazing to experience life through the eyes of a three-year-old.

 

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