Eckert Seamans Expands Aviation Practice with Addition of Washington, D.C. Member Scott Phillips
July 14, 2025
National law firm Eckert Seamans has bolstered its internationally recognized and Chambers-ranked Aviation practice with the addition of Member Scott R. Phillips. He joins the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, having most recently served as Resident Legal Officer for Central America and Mexico Programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Scott brings a unique combination of government, international, and private sector experience that will be a tremendous asset to our clients navigating the complex regulatory and commercial landscape of the aviation industry,” said Evelyn Sahr, Chair of the firm’s Aviation practice group. “His deep understanding of global legal frameworks and government policy will further strengthen our ability to deliver strategic, forward-thinking counsel and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
In his role with USAID, Phillips counseled senior agency leadership in Central America and Mexico on complex legal and policy matters while mitigating litigation, audit, and reputational risks. He advised the agency on compliance with federal regulations and policies applicable to awards valued at over $200 million annually and drafted and negotiated international agreements governing multimillion-dollar contracts and grants.
Phillips also has prior experience working in private practice at global law firms, where he represented clients in complex commercial and foreign sovereign-related litigation in U.S. District Courts and advised on U.S. regulatory and litigation risks related to domestic and international transactions. Prior to attending law school, Phillips served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer.
“I was drawn to Eckert Seamans’ internationally recognized Aviation practice and the firm’s reputation for providing dynamic, client-centric legal services,” said Phillips. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth in the Aviation space and delivering innovative solutions to our clients’ most complex challenges.”
Phillips holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, an MSc in Public Policy and Management from the University of London, and a B.A. in International Studies/Politics from Seattle University.
Eckert Seamans’ nationally regarded Aviation practice group provides a broad client base with counsel and representation on regulatory and legislative issues, transactional and corporate matters, litigation, employment, intellectual property, and other commercial matters. Attorneys in the cross-disciplinary group counsel clients in the aviation, aerospace, airport, security, and technology sectors, including U.S. and foreign airlines, airport operators, charter operators, cargo handling companies, security and technology companies, airports, and trade associations. The practice group and its attorneys were recognized as leaders Nationwide for Aviation in the 2025 Chambers USA guide.