John D. McKay

John D. McKay, Aviation Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 41 years of legal practice · 4.7/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

PrincipalatPark Avenue Law LLC

San Francisco, CA

Practicing aviation in San Francisco since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
4.7 ★
15 client reviews
23
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

John D. McKay is a principal based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Aviation. John has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Park Avenue Law LLC. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Based in
San Francisco, CA
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Aviation
  • Handles Aviation matters from San Francisco, CA.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About John D. McKay: John D. McKay is a principal based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Aviation. John has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Park Avenue Law LLC. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by John D. McKay

John concentrates on aviation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Aviation cases in San Francisco, California

John takes aviation matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

About John D. McKay — Over 41 years of California aviation experience

John D. McKay is a principal based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Aviation. John has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Park Avenue Law LLC. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

John D. McKay is the Managing Attorney at Park Avenue Law LLC, focusing on aviation-related wrongful death and personal injury litigation, as well as jet and turboprop transactions. Before transitioning to plaintiff representation, John defended airlines in litigation and later served as a Claims Attorney for one of the world’s top aviation insurers. During his time there, he co-managed the defense of global product liability cases for The Boeing Company and GE Aviation and handled claims related to major aviation disasters and other aviation incidents. He has tried numerous cases before juries in courts across the country with an impressive record of success.

John is licensed to practice law in eight U.S. states, is licensed as a Solicitor in England and Wales, and as a Barrister and Solicitor in Ontario, Canada. He holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with instrument and multiengine ratings from the FAA and has taught Aviation Law and Commercial Pilot Skills at the university level. He earned his B.A. with Distinction from the University of Virginia and his J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law, where he was recognized as Best Advocate on the Moot Court team. John also co-founded the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court and has served on various ethics and professionalism committees. He enjoys travel, skiing, marksmanship, hiking and of course, flying.

How John handles aviation matters

John D. McKay is the Managing Attorney at Park Avenue Law LLC, focusing on aviation-related wrongful death and personal injury litigation, as well as jet and turboprop transactions. Before transitioning to plaintiff representation, John defended airlines in litigation and later served as a Claims Attorney for one of the world’s top aviation insurers. During his time there, he co-managed the…

The kind of cases John takes

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for aviation matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

John D. McKay's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Maine School of Law

    J.D. · 1985

  • University of Virginia

    B.A. · 1982

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

  • Utah

    2024 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    2018 · ACTIVE

  • United States Court

    2017 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    2017 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    2016 · ACTIVE

  • Ontario

    2015 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    2014 · ACTIVE

  • Vermont

    2014 · ACTIVE

  • England and Wales

    2009 · ACTIVE

  • California

    2002 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    2002 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • Florida

    1999 · ACTIVE

  • Colorado

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • Virginia (Inactive)

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • United States Court

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • United States Court

    1986 · ACTIVE

  • Maine

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • West Virginia

    1985 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in University of Maine School of Law and B.A. in University of Virginia.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in University of Maine School of Law and B.A. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of John D. McKay

John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

John D. McKay's office in San Francisco

John's primary office is at 201 Spear Street, Suite 1100, San Francisco, CA, 94105-6164. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Park Avenue Law LLC

201 Spear Street, Suite 1100

San Francisco, CA 94105-6164

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John D. McKay — 4.7/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing aviation attorneys in San Francisco.

4.7

15 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John D. McKay claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John D. McKay — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new aviation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a aviation attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many aviation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in aviation practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every aviation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many aviation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John D. McKay

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a aviation case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

    John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some aviation attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

  • How long do aviation cases in California typically take?

    Simple aviation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can John take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    John is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is John accepting new aviation clients right now?

    John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Aviation attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

John handles aviation matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified aviation attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these aviation attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.