Michael Dery is a Partner and leader of the firm’s Aviation Practice. He served on the firm’s Executive Team for ten years, from 2011 – 2021, and is the editor of the firm’s Aviation Law Blog.
Michael represents aviation insurers, airlines, aircraft owners, flight schools, UAV operators, Approved (Aviation) Maintenance Organizations, and Fixed Base Operators in complex litigation and regulatory matters.
Michael’s practice encompasses the full spectrum of aviation law. He defends clients in litigation arising from aircraft accidents and incidents, aviation product liability cases, and nationwide class actions. He also provides regulatory counsel to domestic and foreign airlines and air operators. His experience extends beyond aviation to include representation of shipping lines, railways, freight forwarders, and trucking companies in transportation-related disputes.
Michael appears before all levels of court in British Columbia and the Federal Court of Canada and conducts litigation in Ontario and Alberta. He regularly handles mediations, arbitrations, and multi-party settlement negotiations. His work has been recognized through numerous awards and distinctions, including the Lexology 2017 Client Choice Award for excellent client service in aviation. He has been consistently listed in leading legal directories and rankings for aviation law over the past decade, reflecting both peer recognition and client satisfaction.
An active contributor to the aviation legal community, Michael is a frequent speaker at international conferences, including the IATA World Legal Symposium and Aviation Insurance Association events. He serves as Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Air and Space Law Section and has taught aviation and airport law at the British Columbia Institute of Technology since 2008. He is licensed to practice in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta.