It is a time of dramatic change for the aerospace & defense (A&D) industry, characterized by increased production demand, growing supply chain risks, geopolitical headwinds, strong merger and acquisition activities, all while reviewing, assessing and complying with ESG standards. Many companies are entering exclusive deals to deliver advanced applications, solutions and equipment - with the A&D industry being one of the most highly regulated industries in the world, this requires companies to comply with both local and international agencies which commonly involves addressing intricate and sensitive issues that impact defense contractors, suppliers and the public sector.
We have a unique on-the-ground presence throughout the world with offices in countries important to the A&D industry. Our combination of regional, national, and industry expertise and an understanding of business and commercial issues enable us to help clients manage the complex relationship between local legal requirements and the expectations of authorities. Our lawyers help clients navigate airspace hazard and obstruction evaluation, defense procurement, intellectual property, international service agreements, mergers and acquisitions, import and export controls, compliance and investigations, and a wide range of other business and legal matters globally.
Baker McKenzie has worked extensively with a wide variety of clients in the A&D industry on matters that span the globe. Our global expertise and industry experience make us the ideal law firm for clients in the industry. We advise on:
- Acquisition evaluation as a growth or transformation strategy (including opportunistic deals)
- Negotiation of commercial arrangements for the procurement and integration of equipment, digital tools, tech platforms and software
- Management of cyberattack risks and data privacy
- International commercial projects, coordinating and participating in large domestic and multijurisdictional contract reviews and surveys
- Potential sanctions from compliance issues that can arise when reshuffling supply chains
- Essential competitor interactions in compliance with competition laws
- Employment and industrial relations experience
- Indirect taxes (VAT, excise, fuel duty), customs duties and import fees
- Full spectrum of investigative and white-collar defense services
- Environmental impact assessment and mitigation
- Arbitration and disputes resolution, including litigation preparedness, false claims act, defense against qui tam and justice enforcement actions
- Product liability, safety and regulatory compliance, trade compliance, import and export controls
