“Philip is unquestionably a leading KC for aviation disputes. He is extraordinarily knowledgeable on all aspects of the industry and a stellar courtroom advocate.”
Aviation Barrister
As the leading legal directories acknowledge Philip probably has the most in depth experience of aviation litigation and arbitration of anyone in practice born out of a lifelong passion for aircraft and flying. The directories also highlight Philip’s strong advocacy skills which sets him apart from his peers.
Philip has appeared as leading counsel in most of the aviation cases and arbitrations of significance of the past 20 years. His specialist knowledge extends not only to the legal issues but also the technical and regulatory context in which the aerospace industry operates.
He has observed at first hand airframe and engine manufacture, heavy and line maintenance, engine shop visits, flown light aircraft and had time in Boeing 737 simulators gaining valuable practical experience.
Philip’s aviation practice includes disputes relating to operating and finance leases, sale and purchase agreements, aviation related contracts, insurance, product liability, class actions, slots, and regulation. Philip was leading counsel in the landmark leasing case ACG v Olympic Airlines concerning the allocation of risk in operating leases and that defined the meaning of airworthiness in English law.
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Specialisms
Aviation Product Liability
Philip has unrivalled experience of aviation product liability litigation and arbitration. This focuses on the potential liability arising from any condition in aviation products.
Aerospace Contractual Disputes
Philip brings over 20 years of aerospace legal and technical knowledge to the full range of contracts affecting the industry with specific experience of disputes concerning the forms of contract used by aircraft manufacturers.
Arbitration of Aerospace Disputes
Philip sits as arbitrator and appears as counsel in aerospace disputes resolved by arbitration throughout the world.
Aviation Leasing and Finance Disputes
Philip has been instructed as leading counsel in most of the significant cases relating to operating and finance leases of aircraft in the last 20 years including the seminal decision on allocation of risk in ACG Acquisition v Olympic Airlines.
Aviation Insurance
Philip has over 20 years’ experience of acting for and advising insurers and insureds in aviation insurance claims.
Aviation Product Liability
Philip has unrivalled experience of aviation product liability litigation and arbitration. This focuses on the potential liability arising from any condition in aviation products.
Read more about Aviation Product LiabilityAerospace Contractual Disputes
Philip brings over 20 years of aerospace legal and technical knowledge to the full range of contracts affecting the industry with specific experience of disputes concerning the forms of contract used by aircraft manufacturers.
Read more about Aerospace Contractual DisputesArbitration of Aerospace Disputes
Philip sits as arbitrator and appears as counsel in aerospace disputes resolved by arbitration throughout the world.
Read more about Arbitration of Aerospace DisputesAviation Leasing and Finance Disputes
Philip has been instructed as leading counsel in most of the significant cases relating to operating and finance leases of aircraft in the last 20 years including the seminal decision on allocation of risk in ACG Acquisition v Olympic Airlines.
Read more about Aviation Leasing and Finance DisputesAviation Insurance
Philip has over 20 years’ experience of acting for and advising insurers and insureds in aviation insurance claims.
Read more about Aviation Insurance
“Philip is extremely knowledgeable about aircraft leasing and finance. He’s also an outstanding advocate and lawyer who offers creative idea and insights. Best of all, Philip is a team player who makes long hours of work fun.”
Recent & Notable Cases
Philip Shepherd instructed on Air India Flight 171 disaster
Philip Shepherd has been instructed by Stewarts on behalf of more than 30 families of passengers killed when Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after take-off
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Aviation insurance claims in the US arising out of Russian sanctions
Philip is instructed by several prominent US law firms to provide expert evidence on English law in cases brought by
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High Court claim issued against Leonardo S.p.A. in landmark fatal accident case following the death of the Leicester City Chairman
The largest fatal accident claim in English history has been launched at the High Court.
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Leicester City Football Club helicopter disaster Inquest
Philip Shepherd KC represented the family of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha on Thursday 9th May
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Philip Shepherd acts for Claimant’s against Leonardo in claim arising from fatal helicopter crash at Leicester City Football Ground.
Philip is instructed as lead counsel by Stewarts (Peter Neenan and Sarah Stewart) in a product liability claim against Leonardo, the manufacturers of the Agusta 169 that tragically crashed in 2018 shortly after take-off killing all on board
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Genesis v Spicejet
Philip Shepherd KC leading Erin Hitchins represented the operating lessor Genesis in the latest round of its successful claims against the lessee SpiceJet in the London Commercial Court in respect of the failure by SpiceJet to return a Boeing 737-800 in the stipulated redelivery condition.
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