Brandt R. Madsen is Co-chair of SmithAmundsen’s Aerospace & Commercial Transportation Practice Group. Additionally, he focuses his practice in the areas of commercial and environmental litigation and professional liability. Brandt has brought dozens of cases to trial and through appeal, representing municipalities, corporations, small businesses, and individuals. Brandt has also represented numerous clients before administrative agencies, such as the FTC, NTSB, CFTC, and the Department of Revenue. Among many other cases, he notably defended air traffic controllers in the Bob Collins mid-air collision, Palwaukee (now Chicago Executive) Airport in several lawsuits arising from the crash of a Gulfstream G-IV aircraft in 1996, and Midway Airport in the litigation surrounding the runway overrun of a SWA aircraft in 2005. Brandt is a member of the bar in Illinois and Michigan, and is admitted to practice in nearly 10 federal district and circuit courts.
While Brandt has found great success in the courtroom, he is often able to resolve cases early in the litigation process via motions to dismiss or by negotiating settlement. In one complex litigation case involving the crash of a passenger jet in Europe and scores of Plaintiffs, Brandt was able to obtain a dismissal for his client on the basis of a lack of jurisdiction.
In addition to trial, insurance defense and coverage litigation, Brandt also has significant practice in the field of aviation. This includes regulatory practice and working with the FAA and NTSB. Brandt represents airmen, air traffic controllers, airports, aircraft owners and operators, and FBOs (fixed base operators). Brandt has also represented numerous airplane and helicopter pilots in enforcement actions brought against them by the FAA.
Brandt has been a director and officer for the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) since 2004, and is active in several charitable organizations.