Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Firm Announces Strategic Partnership with Former PIT General Counsel Jeff Immel
Law firm Babst Calland announced today its plan to expand the firm’s capabilities in its Aerospace, Aviation and Airports practice through a strategic partnership with Jeff Immel, former general counsel of the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA), the operator of Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, and experienced aviation and aerospace attorney.
Prior to joining ACAA, Immel served as the head of U.S. aviation regulatory and legal affairs for Zipline International Inc. where he provided legal counsel in obtaining and maintaining all federal approvals necessary to begin unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) commercial package delivery operations in the U.S. He also served as the primary legal and regulatory counsel to Amazon Prime Air and Amazon Air and was an associate attorney for Jenner & Block and Jones Day where he advised clients on various aspects of aviation regulation and emerging technologies law. Prior to attending to law school, Immel served in the United States Navy as a combat fighter pilot, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Led by Justine Kasznica, Babst Calland currently actively supports the mission and vision of the growing space industry in the region, and currently serves as general counsel for various aerospace contractors and suppliers and non-profit space organizations. Babst Calland is also in partnership with the Department of Defense and U.S. Space Force’s AFWERX/SpaceWERX hub in Pittsburgh, and is a founding member of the Pittsburgh-based Keystone Space Collaborative and the Moonshot Museum,
“We look forward to partnering with Jeff on many new endeavors as we forge new pathways in the aerospace, aviation and airport industries and helping our existing clients in these sectors to grow and expand,” said Justine Kasznica, shareholder, and chair of Babst Calland’s Emerging Technologies practice.
With demonstrated experience as a naval aviator flying in combat, an in-house attorney, airport general counsel, and legal and business advisor to multiple clients in the aviation and technologies industries, Immel is affiliating with Babst Calland to broaden its capabilities to meet the evolving and dynamic legal and regulatory challenges facing these highly regulated fields.
“Aviation, airport, and aerospace law are complex and rapidly evolving disciplines and demand quick answers to difficult problems. Joining forces with Babst Calland’s multidisciplinary legal and regulatory team is a welcome opportunity to focus on the complex needs and expectations of companies with emerging technologies,” said Immel.
“Partnering with Jeff further represents Babst Calland’s commitment to continue to meet the legal and regulatory needs of our clients,” said Donald C. Bluedorn II, Managing Shareholder. “Jeff is well-known in the industry and has a great reputation among local, state and federal regulatory agencies. We’re very pleased to have him as part of our team.”
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