Eckert Seamans Members Evelyn Sahr and Drew Derco Named Among Top 10 Influential Regulatory Aviation Lawyers Shaping U.S. Airspace in 2023 by Business Today
July 20, 2023
Evelyn D. Sahr and Drew M. Derco, two Washington D.C.-based Members from national law firm Eckert Seamans, have been named among the top 10 influential regulatory aviation lawyers shaping U.S. airspace in 2023 by Business Today. The list recognizes the leading Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory lawyers in the United States known for their significant contributions in this specialized field. The recognized attorneys have been lauded for their swift responsiveness, extensive knowledge, and client-centered approach to providing valuable advice and serve an array of clients that include international airlines, UAS industry players, corporations, and foreign air carriers.
Evelyn Sahr is Chair of the firm’s Aviation Group and focuses her practice on regulatory, commercial, and legislative regulatory matters impacting U.S. and foreign airlines. She regularly represents foreign and domestic airlines before several federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Sahr also advises clients on foreign ownership requirements, licenses and operating authority, open skies, passenger rights, civil and criminal enforcement proceedings, slots and airport issues, and international safety assessments and standards.
Drew Derco counsels U.S. and foreign air carriers, charterers, and other transportation sector clients on aviation regulatory and policy matters before numerous federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He handles all phases of the airline start-up process and assists foreign airlines with the launch of U.S. service, both for first time entrants into the U.S. marketplace and for existing carriers already serving the U.S. Derco also assists U.S. and foreign air carrier clients in obtaining permit, exemption, and code-share authority, advises on charter operations, and specializes in issues related to developing markets such as Cuba and Africa.
Eckert Seamans’ cross-disciplinary Aviation practice confronts new and complex legal issues that cross industry sectors, borders, and continents. Attorneys in the group provide a broad client base with trusted counsel and representation on regulatory and legislative issues, transactional and corporate matters, litigation, employment, intellectual property, and other commercial matters. The practice has been recognized by Chambers and Partners for seven consecutive years, most recently being ranked among leaders Nationwide for Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory in the Chambers USA 2023 guide.