
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
Are you John D. McKay?
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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.
Park Avenue Law LLC
201 Spear Street, Suite 1100
San Francisco, CA 94105-6164
Open in Google MapsClient 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 reviewsHiring 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.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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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.