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PRACTICE PROFILE

Darryl Pankratz is a co-chair of our Transportation Practice Group and contributor to its Aviation Law Blog.  He is also a member of our Insurance Law Practice Group.  His practice is primarily litigation-based with an emphasis on issues relating to the aviation industry.  He provides counsel to regional, national and international airlines as well as their insurers.  On their behalf, Mr. Pankratz has handled aircraft accidents and incidents involving both passenger and cargo liability claims.  He represents and advises numerous airport authorities throughout Canada as well airport security organizations.

On behalf of aviation underwriters, Mr. Pankratz has successfully pursued and defended numerous complex products liability claims against aircraft and component manufacturers and overhaulers.  He also actively provides counsel to fixed and rotary wing operators, maintenance facilities, flight schools and pilots in a variety of aviation related matters including administrative issues with Transport Canada.

Mr. Pankratz has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia.  He also conducts litigation in Ontario, Alberta and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Mr. Pankratz has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the publication, The Best Lawyers in Canada.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCES

•  Acting as counsel in aircraft hull, passenger and cargo liability claims;
• Acting as counsel in product liability claims on behalf of operators, aircraft maintenance organizations and manufacturers;
• Acting as counsel in matters regarding airport liability claims;
• Providing counsel and advice to pilots and operators on regulatory and licencing issues involving Transport Canada; 
• Providing counsel and advice to insurers on coverage issues;
• Has extensive experience handling claims involving personal injury, professional negligence and fire loss;
• Has significant experience assisting employers and workers with claims involving the Workers’ Compensation Board of B.C. (Worksafe BC).

RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES

• Presenter, ”Recent Developments in Canadian Aviation Law ”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, February 2011
• Presenter, ”Recent Developments in Canadian Aviation Law ”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, February 2010
• Presenter, ”Recent Developments in Canadian Aviation Law ”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, February 2009
• Presenter, ”Recent Developments in Canadian Aviation Law ”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, February 2008
• Presenter, ”Recent Developments in Canadian Aviation Law ”, Winter Aviation Conference, Toronto, Ontario, February 2007 
• Has assisted with the organization and conduct of various continuing legal and insurance education seminars including Insurance Broker Liability, Insurers’ Duty to Defend and Coverage Issues 
• Canadian Legal LEXPERT Annual Directory Aviation Law, author 

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Canadian Insurance Professionals of Vancouver, Past-President
• Canadian Bar Association - National Air Law Section, Executive Member
• Canadian Bar Association - Civil Litigation Subsection, Past-Chair
• Canadian Bar Association – Air Law, Insurance and Civil Litigation Subsections, Member
• American Bar Association - Forum on Air and Space Law, Member
• BCIT - School of Transportation - Aviation/Airport Law, Instructor
• Air Transport Association of Canada, Member
• Helicopter Association of Canada, Member
• Aviation Insurance Association, Member
• British Columbia Aviation Council, Member
• Floatplane Operators Association, Member