Claudia Hess joined Urwantschky Dangel Borst in April 2007. She graduated from the law school of the University of Passau and completed a law and language education in English, French and Chinese law. Claudia has been a partner in the firm since 2012. She handles cases for airlines and their insurers worldwide related to both German and EU law. She provides advice and assistance out of court and represents her clients in court proceedings and proceedings initiated by administrative bodies.

What do you enjoy most about working in aviation?

My passion was always the international field. Is there anything more international than the industry of flying and travelling? Already during my university studies, I spent some time abroad, getting to know different cultures, languages and mindsets. In aviation law, I enjoy the international connotation of working with clients worldwide, meeting them at their home bases and at conferences, working with EU laws and regulations as well as other universally applicable legal statutes and dealing with a variety of legal fields concerning the needs of airlines.

How do your language skills in German, English, French and Mandarin enhance your work as an aviation lawyer?

Many clients appreciate corresponding in their “own” language. Therefore, I am happy to communicate with my clients in the language of their choice, among the four languages I am proficient in, of course.

The knowledge of languages is also helpful when receiving case-related documents from clients as a translation is then not necessary. Also for drafting bilingual contracts and agreements – German with a view to the jurisdiction and English, French or Chinese for the ease of understanding for the client – language skills, especially legal language are quite handy.

Language skills have proven to be particularly important in court hearings where a witness from abroad was summoned. Although the courts usually invite professional translators, they are often not familiar with the aviation-specific wording and expressions so that serious confusions, contradictions and converse meanings occurred. When understanding the language the witness speaks, corrections and explanations are possible by way of interjections, which can be decisive for the court’s perception of the case and the outcome of the proceedings.

How do you establish a detailed understanding of a client’s business to advise them effectively?

To establish a detailed understanding of a client’s business, it is important to speak to the client and to obtain the relevant documents that are necessary for the case.

As managing partner of Urwantschky Dangel Borst, what are your main priorities for the firm’s development over the next couple of years?

Essential priorities are to maintain the high standard of our firm’s quality of work, to attract lawyers to join our team and, of course, to continuously convince existing and new clients of our commitment, skills and experience.

How has the rise of ESG-related awareness affected your practice and client needs?

ESG-related awareness has actually not led to any perceptible changes in my practice. Our firm has always been respectful and mindful towards environmental, social and governmental standards, diversity, equality and sustainability. In respect of client needs, ESG-related awareness is not necessarily an issue for which legal advice is sought; if at all, only the field of employment law.

How are regulators and the law adapting to the increased use of unmanned aircraft systems?

At this rather early stage of the commercial use of unmanned aircraft and drones, legal approval/licencing and safety issues are currently a challenge but also liability is a crucial aspect that will preoccupy lawmakers, lawyers and courts.

Looking back over your career, what has been the most memorable case you have been a part of?

The case I have in mind is not necessarily the most memorable case but definitely a memorable one as it was my first case before the European Court of Justice (C-20/21). A case is only handled by the ECJ if a national court considers the relevant legal question based on EU law to be of such importance and relevance for a uniform jurisprudence throughout the EU and refers legal questions on that matter to the ECJ.

My case concerned a question related to jurisdiction and I am happy and proud to say that the ECJ’s decision was in favour of my client, the airline.

What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aviation lawyer?

Be open-minded, ambitious, diligent and sociable. Immerse yourself in the exciting world of aviation and always do your best!