S. Brad Brown
Practice Areas
Experience
- Aviation
- Business Litigation
- Class Action
- Insurance
- Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Litigation
- Insurance Policyholder Defense
- Product Liability
“Brad Brown acts for a number of industry-leading manufacturers, covering both fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. Sources noted that Brad 'is a strong lawyer,' with one stating, 'Brad has always impressed me. He does a great job.'”
— Chambers USA Guide, 2023
Biography
Brad Brown maintains a national litigation practice with an emphasis on aviation, products liability, insurance and business related matters. He regularly defends domestic and international manufacturers, airlines, insurers, business entities, cargo companies, ground handlers, and individuals in state and federal courts. Brad has successfully defended at trial individuals, businesses, airlines, and manufacturers. Brad is also experienced in representing clients in class action litigation, federal multidistrict litigation and in state and federal appeals. He also frequently handles, both at the trial and appellate levels, insurance coverage matters and subrogation claims.
Brad’s clients appreciate his ability to skillfully evaluate and efficiently resolve a wide variety of litigation matters. Clients further value Brad’s awareness of each client’s business and numerous external demands when handling a claim and recommending whether to take a case to trial or seek a resolution. Clients frequently engage Brad to investigate, evaluate and resolve claims before they develop into actual lawsuits.
Education
B.B.A., with high honors, University of Texas at Austin
J.D., with honors, University of Texas School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Aviation Law
- Successfully represented an air cargo ground handling company and trucking company in a multimillion-dollar cargo damage claim brought in state court by obtaining a court order that the Montreal Convention applied to Plaintiff’s claims, which resulted in a recovery of less than 7% of the damages sought by Plaintiff.
- Bartlett/Harrison v. Burke et al., No. 22-95 (North Carolina Court of Appeals, 2022). Successfully represented a worldwide manufacturer of helicopter engines in three wrongful death lawsuits. The Court of Appeals of North Carolina dismissed the client from the case for lack of personal jurisdiction.
- Lecka v. Lufthansa German Airlines, et al. (S.D. Tex., 2014). Court granted motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’ claims arising from an incident that occurred during international travel.
- Morrison Express Corp. v. EVA Airways and Integrated Airline Services, Inc. (N.D. Tex., 2013). Court granted motion to dismiss Plaintiff’s declaratory judgment action.
- Rachal v. American Eagle Airlines, 2005 WL 675566 (Tex.App. – Fort Worth, 2005) Affirming trial court’s granting of motion for summary judgment in favor of American Eagle Airlines.
- Baleares Link Express, S.L. d/b/a Hola Airlines v. GE Engine Services, Dallas LP 335 S.W.3d 833 (Tex.App. – Dallas, 2011) Affirming trial court’s granting of summary judgment for maintenance facility sued for fraud and breach of implied warranties arising out of a commercial engine failure.
- Freitas, et al. v. Rolls-Royce Corporation (2011). Obtained jury verdict in favor of engine manufacturer sued for wrongful death arising out of a helicopter accident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Obtained large settlement for an aviation insurer in a subrogation action arising from damage to a commercial airline engine.
- Obtained dismissal for foreign manufacturer sued in Texas state court based upon lack of personal jurisdiction.
- In re Air Crash Near Kirksville, MO on October 19, 2004 (MDL). Part of trial team representing a commuter airline in federal multidistrict litigation and state court cases.
- Saldana v. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, et al. (S.D. Tex.). Obtained summary judgment for military helicopter manufacturer based on the government contractor defense.
- Obtained dismissal for an airline sued in federal court for violations of the Air Carrier Access Act.
- Obtained summary judgment for international cargo company pertaining to alleged freight damage.
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation – Nationwide, 2016-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2022-2026
- Appellate Practice, 2023, 2025
- Aviation Law, 2022-2025
- Commercial Litigation, 2023-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023-2026
- Who’s Who Legal by Lexology, 2023
- Recommended for Transport – Aviation Contentious
- Ranked as a Thought Leader for Transport – Aviation Contentious (USA)
- Who’s Who Legal: Texas, Aviation, 2018-2020
- Leadership Arts Institute – Dallas County Class, 2020-2021
- Moderator, “Perspectives from the General Counsel’s Office,” ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, Aviation and Space Law Committee Meeting and CLE (October 18, 2018)
- Speaker and Moderator, “What’s Going on in Claims and Underwriting,” ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, Aviation and Space Law Committee Meeting and CLE (November 3, 2016)
- Speaker, “Assessing the Airline’s Responsibilities or Potential Liability Related to Medical Emergencies, Passengers with Disabilities, Ebola and Airborne Diseases,” American Conference Institute’s 7th Annual Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Claims & Litigation (June 1, 2015)
- Speaker, “Harnessing the Power of Social Media in Jury Selection, Discovery and Trial,” American Conference Institute’s 5th National Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Claims & Litigation (May 29, 2013)
- Speaker, “Fault Apportionment and Other Sources of Liability: Airport Liability, Cargo Claims, Air Traffic Control Liability and Beyond,” American Conference Institute’s 2nd Annual Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Litigation (June 22, 2010)
- Speaker, “Changing the Landscape of a Pending Case by Asserting Key Defenses Provided by Statute and Case Law: An In-Depth Look at Federal Preemption, GARA, and the Government Contractor Defense,” American Conference Institute’s Premier Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Litigation (June 23, 2009)
- Co-author of section pertaining to liability for responding to in-flight medical emergencies, “Cardiac Arrest at 30,000 Feet,” Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia Vol. 20, No. 3 (June 2006)
Professional Affiliations
- DRI Products Liability Committee, Aviation and Aerospace, Former SLG Chair
Community Involvement
- Theatre Three, Former Board Member
Jackson Walker Congratulates 36 Attorneys Named Among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America for 2026
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 36 attorneys to Lawdragon’s 2026 list of the 500 leading litigators in America. This is Lawdragon’s fourth edition of its leading litigators list, recognizing some of America’s top litigation talent.
Attorney News • September 5, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates 36 Attorneys Named Among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 36 attorneys to Lawdragon’s 2025 list of the 500 leading litigators in America. The third edition of this list recognizes America’s top talent in antitrust, financial and securities litigation, intellectual property, commercial litigation, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity, and white collar and investigations.
Attorney News • September 9, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
Brad Brown and Katherine Staton Receive Board Certification in Aviation Law; Christopher Thompson in Insurance Law
Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Dallas attorneys Brad Brown, Katherine A. Staton, and Christopher A. Thompson for obtaining Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). Brad and Katherine are now Board Certified in Aviation Law, and Chris is Board Certified in Insurance Law. This marks the first year that attorneys can obtain certification in these areas.
Attorney News • January 19, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
Spotlight • June 1, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2022 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 48 attorneys and 16 departments for inclusion in the 2022 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • June 1, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
Jackson Walker Client Asks Texas Supreme Court to Grant Request for In-Person Jury Trial in Personal Injury Suit
In a petition for writ of mandamus filed on June 8, 2021, Allied Aviation Fueling Company of Houston Inc. requested the Texas Supreme Court order an in-person jury trial after Harris County District Judge Dedra Davis set the case for a remote jury trial over Zoom for June 9. The Texas Supreme Court granted Allied Aviation’s motion for stay of the remote trial while the petition for writ of mandamus is under consideration.
Mentions • June 10, 2021
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2021 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 41 attorneys and 14 departments for inclusion in the 2021 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • May 20, 2021
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2020 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 30 attorneys and nine practice areas for inclusion in the 2020 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • April 23, 2020
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices Among 2019 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 27 attorneys and nine practice areas for inclusion in the 2019 edition of the global and USA guides.
Spotlight • April 29, 2019
Chambers USA 2018 Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce 26 attorneys have been ranked in the 2018 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guide, with four additional attorneys identified as “recognized practitioners.”
Spotlight • May 3, 2018
Aviation Claims
Brad has extensive expertise representing clients in a wide variety of aviation related matters, from simple negligence claims to mass torts involving multidistrict litigation. Brad also regularly represents cargo airlines and ground handlers in international and domestic cargo disputes.
Insurance Matters
Brad frequently counsels and represents insurers and insureds in insurance coverage matters and first party claims. Brad regularly assists insurers in investigating and evaluating claims pre-suit and has further successfully represented insurers in pursuing subrogation actions.
Products Liability Claims
Brad regularly represents manufacturers, sellers and distributors in the defense of product liability claims. In handling such claims, Brad has developed extensive experience in accident reconstruction and investigation, metallurgy, biomechanics, design and manufacturing processes, and warnings.
Commercial and Business Matters and Disputes
Brad counsels and represents individuals and companies in a variety of business disputes, including contract actions, business torts and deceptive trade practices. Brad also counsels individuals and businesses on risk avoidance and risk management strategies.
Successfully represented clients in matters involving:
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Practice Experience
- Successfully represented an air cargo ground handling company and trucking company in a multimillion-dollar cargo damage claim brought in state court by obtaining a court order that the Montreal Convention applied to Plaintiff’s claims, which resulted in a recovery of less than 7% of the damages sought by Plaintiff.
- Bartlett/Harrison v. Burke et al., No. 22-95 (North Carolina Court of Appeals, 2022). Successfully represented a worldwide manufacturer of helicopter engines in three wrongful death lawsuits. The Court of Appeals of North Carolina dismissed the client from the case for lack of personal jurisdiction.
- Lecka v. Lufthansa German Airlines, et al. (S.D. Tex., 2014). Court granted motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’ claims arising from an incident that occurred during international travel.
- Morrison Express Corp. v. EVA Airways and Integrated Airline Services, Inc. (N.D. Tex., 2013). Court granted motion to dismiss Plaintiff’s declaratory judgment action.
- Rachal v. American Eagle Airlines, 2005 WL 675566 (Tex.App. – Fort Worth, 2005) Affirming trial court’s granting of motion for summary judgment in favor of American Eagle Airlines.
- Baleares Link Express, S.L. d/b/a Hola Airlines v. GE Engine Services, Dallas LP 335 S.W.3d 833 (Tex.App. – Dallas, 2011) Affirming trial court’s granting of summary judgment for maintenance facility sued for fraud and breach of implied warranties arising out of a commercial engine failure.
- Freitas, et al. v. Rolls-Royce Corporation (2011). Obtained jury verdict in favor of engine manufacturer sued for wrongful death arising out of a helicopter accident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Obtained large settlement for an aviation insurer in a subrogation action arising from damage to a commercial airline engine.
- Obtained dismissal for foreign manufacturer sued in Texas state court based upon lack of personal jurisdiction.
- In re Air Crash Near Kirksville, MO on October 19, 2004 (MDL). Part of trial team representing a commuter airline in federal multidistrict litigation and state court cases.
- Saldana v. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, et al. (S.D. Tex.). Obtained summary judgment for military helicopter manufacturer based on the government contractor defense.
- Obtained dismissal for an airline sued in federal court for violations of the Air Carrier Access Act.
- Obtained summary judgment for international cargo company pertaining to alleged freight damage.
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation – Nationwide, 2016-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2022-2026
- Appellate Practice, 2023, 2025
- Aviation Law, 2022-2025
- Commercial Litigation, 2023-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023-2026
- Who’s Who Legal by Lexology, 2023
- Recommended for Transport – Aviation Contentious
- Ranked as a Thought Leader for Transport – Aviation Contentious (USA)
- Who’s Who Legal: Texas, Aviation, 2018-2020
- Leadership Arts Institute – Dallas County Class, 2020-2021
Publications & Speeches
- Moderator, “Perspectives from the General Counsel’s Office,” ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, Aviation and Space Law Committee Meeting and CLE (October 18, 2018)
- Speaker and Moderator, “What’s Going on in Claims and Underwriting,” ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, Aviation and Space Law Committee Meeting and CLE (November 3, 2016)
- Speaker, “Assessing the Airline’s Responsibilities or Potential Liability Related to Medical Emergencies, Passengers with Disabilities, Ebola and Airborne Diseases,” American Conference Institute’s 7th Annual Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Claims & Litigation (June 1, 2015)
- Speaker, “Harnessing the Power of Social Media in Jury Selection, Discovery and Trial,” American Conference Institute’s 5th National Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Claims & Litigation (May 29, 2013)
- Speaker, “Fault Apportionment and Other Sources of Liability: Airport Liability, Cargo Claims, Air Traffic Control Liability and Beyond,” American Conference Institute’s 2nd Annual Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Litigation (June 22, 2010)
- Speaker, “Changing the Landscape of a Pending Case by Asserting Key Defenses Provided by Statute and Case Law: An In-Depth Look at Federal Preemption, GARA, and the Government Contractor Defense,” American Conference Institute’s Premier Forum on Defending and Managing Aviation Litigation (June 23, 2009)
- Co-author of section pertaining to liability for responding to in-flight medical emergencies, “Cardiac Arrest at 30,000 Feet,” Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia Vol. 20, No. 3 (June 2006)
Community Involvement
Professional Affiliations
- DRI Products Liability Committee, Aviation and Aerospace, Former SLG Chair
Community Involvement
- Theatre Three, Former Board Member
Areas of Focus
Aviation Claims
Brad has extensive expertise representing clients in a wide variety of aviation related matters, from simple negligence claims to mass torts involving multidistrict litigation. Brad also regularly represents cargo airlines and ground handlers in international and domestic cargo disputes.
Insurance Matters
Brad frequently counsels and represents insurers and insureds in insurance coverage matters and first party claims. Brad regularly assists insurers in investigating and evaluating claims pre-suit and has further successfully represented insurers in pursuing subrogation actions.
Products Liability Claims
Brad regularly represents manufacturers, sellers and distributors in the defense of product liability claims. In handling such claims, Brad has developed extensive experience in accident reconstruction and investigation, metallurgy, biomechanics, design and manufacturing processes, and warnings.
Commercial and Business Matters and Disputes
Brad counsels and represents individuals and companies in a variety of business disputes, including contract actions, business torts and deceptive trade practices. Brad also counsels individuals and businesses on risk avoidance and risk management strategies.
Successfully represented clients in matters involving:
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