Every year, Best Lawyers in America recognizes attorneys across the country who demonstrate excellence in their fields. Podhurst Orseck Managing Partner Steven Marks, recognized annually since 2007, was recently named 2026 Lawyer of the Year: Aviation Law, Miami.
Marks, who has led litigation on some of the most high-profile aviation cases worldwide, reflects on this honor and what it means for the firm’s work in a field that continues to evolve with technology, global travel, and safety demands.
What does being named Lawyer of the Year in Aviation Law mean to you personally, and how does it reflect on the broader work of Podhurst Orseck in this highly specialized field?
This recognition underscores not just my own career, but the collective strength of our firm. Podhurst Orseck has built a global reputation representing families in aviation disasters while also taking on national class actions and high-stakes litigation. It reflects the consistency of our work, our ability to compete with the largest firms worldwide, and the trust our clients place in us during the most difficult moments of their lives.
Aviation law is constantly evolving with advances in technology, safety standards, and global travel. What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen in recent years, and how is Podhurst positioned to address them?
The landscape today is defined by increasingly complex aircraft systems, cross-border regulatory issues, and a growing need for accountability as airlines, manufacturers, and insurers operate on a global scale. We’ve seen how failures in safety oversight can have catastrophic consequences. Our firm is uniquely positioned to address these changes because of our international reach and our history working in multidistrict and cross-border cases. Our team combines technical knowledge with litigation experience.
You’ve led litigation on some of the most high-profile aviation cases worldwide. What lessons have you drawn from those experiences that continue to shape how you approach new cases?
One lesson is the importance of persistence – aviation cases often involve multinational corporations with vast resources and uncovering the truth requires a relentless approach. Another is collaboration. These cases often span multiple jurisdictions and involve diverse expert teams, so working across cultures, borders, and specialties is essential. Finally, every case reminds us of the human element: we’re representing families who have endured unimaginable loss. That responsibility shapes how we prepare, litigate, and resolve every matter.
Podhurst is based in Miami but handles aviation matters with international scope. How does being headquartered here give your firm a unique perspective in representing clients across borders?
Miami is a global gateway – it connects North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. That geographic and cultural position gives us direct access to clients and cases that span continents. Many of the world’s largest aviation manufacturers, airlines, and insurers operate in or through Miami, and our firm has deep experience working in multi-lingual jurisdictions. That combination of international connectivity and local expertise allows us to manage cases that might otherwise require multiple firms spread across different regions.
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in aviation law over the next five years, and how is Podhurst preparing to meet them?
The biggest challenge is ensuring accountability keeps pace with innovation. As aircraft technology advances and air travel becomes even more globalized, the legal and regulatory frameworks must adapt quickly. That means holding manufacturers accountable for design flaws, ensuring airlines maintain the highest safety standards, and addressing the challenges of cross-border litigation. At the same time, there is opportunity to push for safer skies, to strengthen international cooperation, and to ensure victims’ families have access to justice regardless of where an accident occurs. At Podhurst, we’re preparing by training the next generation of aviation litigators and continuing to take on cases that drive meaningful change in both the courtroom and the industry.
