Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Aviation Law Defense in Westlake Village, CA
Since 1984, Michaelis Montanari & Johnson has provided specialized legal defense services to clients across diverse industries. Our firm, based in Westlake Village, California, combines decades of litigation experience with technical expertise in aviation and aerospace engineering to deliver strategic legal solutions. Our attorneys, with practice durations ranging from 15 to over 40 years, maintain a client-focused approach that prioritizes transparent communication, ethical representation, and cost-effective case resolution. Recognized with the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent 5.0 rating, we serve clients in Southern California and handle cases globally from Hawaii to Switzerland.Our technical proficiency in aviation matters, including FAA and NTSB investigation protocols, enables precise evaluation of complex technical evidence. We leverage modern technologies to maintain efficiency while preserving personalized service, adhering to founding principles that emphasize promise-keeping, honest communication, and targeted legal action. Our practice spans aviation accident defense, products liability, insurance coverage disputes, and public entity litigation, with a proven track record in both pre-trial resolutions and trial advocacy.
Services
Aviation Accident Defense
Products Liability
Airline Liability
Public Entity Litigation
Insurance Brokers Defense
Environmental Law
Maritime Accidents
Space Law
Airport Law
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Our attorneys have 15-40 years of litigation experience
- Aviation expertise includes aerospace engineering backgrounds
- Maintain Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent 5.0 rating
- Handle cases globally from Hawaii to Switzerland
- Utilize technology for cost-effective legal solutions
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent 5.0
Services
Aviation Accident Defense
Specialized defense representation for aviation accidents involving manufacturers, operators, and insurers. Our attorneys combine legal expertise with technical knowledge of FAA/NTSB protocols and aerospace engineering principles. With decades of experience handling cases involving fatalities, injuries, and property damage, we provide strategic defense for aircraft manufacturers, engine producers, and aviation service providers.
Products Liability
Comprehensive defense for manufacturers facing liability claims related to defective products. Our team handles complex cases involving technical engineering issues, wrongful death, and serious injuries. We maintain relationships with expert consultants to evaluate liability factors and have represented major aerospace and industrial manufacturers in high-stakes litigation matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Insurance Brokers Defense
Legal defense for insurance agents and brokers facing civil litigation. With decades of experience in insurance law, we handle coverage disputes, fraud allegations, and contract breaches. Our extensive legal library includes specialized resources on insurance agent responsibilities and industry practices to support effective defense strategies.
Public Entity Litigation
Representation of public entities in litigation matters involving harbors, marinas, and government properties. Our experience includes handling anti-SLAPP motions, public records requests, construction defects, and dangerous condition claims. We provide strategic defense for governmental agencies and public property operators in complex legal disputes.
Space Law
Specialized legal services for space industry participants, leveraging our aviation law expertise and technical knowledge. Our practice covers regulatory compliance, liability issues, and contractual disputes in the aerospace sector. This includes representation of manufacturers and operators navigating the unique legal challenges of space-related commercial activities.
People
Garry L. Montanari
Attorney
Aviation law specialist with technical expertise in aerospace engineering. Licensed pilot with extensive experience in FAA/NTSB investigations and aviation accident defense. Provides technical-legal analysis for complex aviation litigation matters.
Wesley S. Wenig
Attorney
Experienced litigator focusing on insurance defense and products liability cases. Skilled in handling complex legal disputes with technical engineering components. Provides strategic defense representation for manufacturers and insurance professionals.
John H. Moon
Attorney
Legal professional specializing in public entity litigation and government contracts. Experienced in handling complex legal matters involving governmental agencies and public property disputes.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in aviation accident defense, products liability, insurance brokers defense, public entity litigation, and space law matters.
How long have you handled aviation cases?
Our firm has defended aviation accident cases since 1984, with attorneys possessing technical expertise in aerospace engineering.
Do you handle international cases?
Yes, while primarily serving Southern California, we've represented clients in cases venued from Hawaii to Switzerland.
What makes your firm different?
Our unique combination of legal experience (15-40 years), technical expertise in aviation engineering, and Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating distinguish our practice.
How do you approach case resolution?
We prioritize efficient pre-trial resolutions but prepare thoroughly for trial when necessary, following our founding principles of targeted legal action.
