International law firm DAC Beachcroft is delighted to announce the appointment of highly regarded aviation specialist Maria Cetta as a partner in the firm's aviation practice. Based in London, Maria joins from Clyde & Co where she was a partner in its aviation liability practice for almost 20 years when Clyde & Co merged with Beaumont and Son where Maria was a partner.
Maria has focused on the aviation sector throughout her legal career, acting for airlines, airports, MROs, helicopter companies, ground handlers, airline catering companies and their insurers and reinsurers. She has particular experience in handling major aviation losses, most recently advising on the Ukrainian International Airlines loss in January 2020, as well as handling complex claims arising from air accidents, damage to aircraft and cargo losses worldwide, predominantly in Europe and the Middle East. Her work for insurers and reinsurers has concentrated on airline and ground handler liabilities, as well as subrogated recoveries, product liability and coverage advice. Her work for airlines has included handling many high value fatal accident and personal injury claims.
Alex Stovold, Head of Aviation at DACB, commented, "Maria has an outstanding reputation within the aviation sector and we are thrilled to welcome her aboard. The breadth of her aviation practice, together with her strong connections, leading reputation in the market and international experience, will considerably enhance our aviation offering to clients."
Liam O'Connell, Head of DACB's Global Insurance practice in London, added, "The continued expansion of our aviation practice with the appointment of an aviation specialist of Maria's calibre is a further demonstration of how we are building our international capabilities to achieve our ambition to be the law firm of choice for the global insurance market."
"DACB's international expansion in recent months, particularly the growth of its aviation and transport expertise across the globe, has been impressive," commented Maria Cetta. "It's an exciting time to be joining."
Last year, DACB launched offices in Peru and Hong Kong and, in December, announced the opening of two offices in the US, in New York and Los Angeles, to support the ongoing expansion of its global offering to clients. The continued growth of its aviation practice, which was further boosted at the start of the year with the appointment of aviation and transport experts Laura Dubois and Béatrice Fleuris as partners in its Paris office, is another key part of that global offering.
DACB's network of aviation lawyers advise airlines, general aviation operators, airports, MROs, ground handling companies, aviation security companies and product manufacturers in both the civilian and defence spheres. The team is particularly focused on providing aviation advice to the insurance industry on claims defence and coverage work as well as subrogation.
