• Stokes v. Southwest Airlines Co.; 887 F.3d 199 (2018), Fifth Circuit opinion revising almost thirty (30) years of Fifth Circuit case law in holding that the Air Carrier Access Act precludes a private right of action in the Fifth Circuit.
• Directed verdict secured in Cause No. 236-271663-14; Pamela Lee Meinzer v. American Airlines, Inc. and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board, in the 236th Judicial District Court, Tarrant County, Texas on March 10, 2016.
• Successful appeal for CJ Systems Aviation Group in a contractual indemnity claim stemming from a wrongful death accident lawsuit,  American Eurocopter Corporation v. CJ Systems Aviation Group; 407 S.W.3d 274; In the Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas at Dallas, Texas in 2013.
• Coverage counsel for one of the aviation insurers that insured the aircraft that carried passenger Lauren Scruggs, a fashion model and blogger, who got out of and then walked into the running propeller on December 3, 2011. Ms. Scruggs lost her left eye and hand in the incident. The claims were resolved without litigation as to Katherine’s insurer.
• Counsel for aviation insurer for the aircraft Joseph Stack flew into the IRS building in Austin, Texas, on February 18, 2010 – successfully resolved all claims asserted against the aviation policy related to the incident.
• Successfully defended international airline in federal district court in litigation arising from accident in Little Rock, Arkansas.
• Successfully defended regional airline in federal multi-district and state court litigation arising from accident in Missouri.
• Successfully defended airline in lawsuits brought by airline pilot claiming airline’s failure to advise of health issues discovered in pre-employment examination which resulted in pilot’s death.
• Lee v. American Airlines, Inc.; 355 F.3d 386 (5th Cir. 2004) affirming dismissal of claim for loss of convenience in Warsaw Convention putative class action.

Secured Summary Judgments Pertaining to a Variety of Issues, Including:

• Joanna Endsley v. Envoy Air Inc. (Cause No. DC-17-033778) in the 14th Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas 2018; Personal Injury – secured a partial summary judgment on plaintiff’s damage claim in favor of Envoy Air Inc.
• Alejandro Gallardo-Lozano v. American Airlines (Cause No. 096-289122-16, in the 96^th Judicial District of Tarrant County, Texas, 2018) Personal Injury – successfully secured two partial summary judgments in favor of American Airlines, Inc. as to the Montreal Convention damages.
• David Williams v. Southwest Airlines Co. d/b/a Southwest Airlines (Cause No. DC-16-07148, in the 162^nd Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, 2017) Personal Injury – successfully secured a summary judgment in favor of Southwest Airlines Co.
• Gertie Joe Ware v. United Airlines, Inc. and Expressjet Airlines, Inc., 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 213554 (Case No. 4:16-cv-00513, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division) Personal Injury – successfully secured a partial summary judgment in favor of Expressjet Airlines, Inc.
• Darlene Lynette Johnson v. Patricia Diane Davis and Southwest Airlines Co. (Cause No. 2015-57037, in the 270^th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas, 2017) Personal Injury – successfully secured a summary judgment in favor of Southwest Airlines Co.
• Serawit Fanta Woldeyes v. AMR Corporation d/b/a American Airlines, American Airlines, Inc. and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Authority d/b/a Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and/or DFW International Airport (Cause No. DC-13-05226, in the 162^nd Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, 2014) Personal Injury – successfully secured a summary judgment in favor of American Airlines, Inc.
• Deborah Driscoll and Joseph Driscoll v. Oriental Building Services, Inc., Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Board v. American Airlines, Inc. (Cause 348-270932-14, in the 348^th Judicial District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, 2016) Personal injury – successfully secured a summary judgment in favor of American Airlines, Inc.
• Doris Nell Magee v. Southwest Airlines Co., et al. (Cause No. 2010-41217, in the 215^th District Court of Harris County, Texas, 2012) Personal Injury – Successfully secured summary judgment in favor of Southwest Airlines Co.
• Marjorie Masterson v. City of Austin Aviation Department and the City of Austin, Texas (Cause No. D-1-GN-11-000989 in the 261^st Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas, 2012) Personal Injury – Successfully secured summary judgment in favor of Southwest Airlines.
• Daniell vs. Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc., and American Airlines, Inc., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91316 (Cause No. 3-09-CV-0652-BD, Northern District of Texas United States District Court, Dallas Division, 2010) Contribution negligence claim dismissal for American Airlines, Inc.
• Collins v. Dooley and Southwest Airlines Co. (Bexar County, Texas 2009) Contribution claim involving worker’s compensation / negligence claims dismissal.
• Diaz v. Southwest Airlines Co., 2006 WL 2051379 (Tex. App. – Amarillo 2006) Air Carrier Access Act / negligence claims dismissal.
• Rachal v. American Eagle Airlines, 2005 WL 675566 (Tex. App. – Fort Worth 2005) Negligence and premises liability claims dismissal.
• Blanca Elizabeth Alvarez de Catota, et al. v. Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., et al.(Cause No.153-195665-2 in the 153rd Judicial District of Tarrant County, Texas, 2005) Product liability claim summary judgment dismissal.
• Scroggs v. American Airlines, Inc., 150 S.W.3d 256 (Tex. App. – Dallas 2004) Negligent activity claim dismissal.

• Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Transportation: Aviation: Litigation – Nationwide, 2015-2017, 2021-2024
• The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2021-2025
  • Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Aviation Law, 2023
  • Aviation Law, 2022-2025
  • Commercial Litigation, 2021-2025
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2021-2025
• Who’s Who Legal by Lexology, Recommended for Transport – Aviation Contentious, 2023
• Winning Woman, Texas Lawyer, 2014
• Legal Media Group’s Guide to the World’s Leading Aviation Lawyers, 2013
• Guide to the World’s Leading Aviation Lawyers, Legal Media Group, 2013
• Who’s Who Legal: Texas, 2007-08
• Who’s Who Legal: Texas – Aviation, 2007

Publications & Speaking Engagements

• Speaker, “Hot Topics and Current Issues Related to Aircraft Ownership and Cost Sharing, and a Case In Point If the Law Is Not Followed,” 57th Annual Air Law Symposium (March 2023)
• Author, “Vectoring Your Business Aircraft:  Avoid Pitfalls in Business Aircraft Transactions,” SMU Journal of Air Law & Commerce (2021)
• Co-Author, “Commercial Drone Use Continues to Grow, But So Too Does the Regulatory Framework,” The Texas Lawyer (May 2019)
• “Does Absence Make the Insurer’s Heart Grow Fonder? Liability for an Aircraft Not in Possession,” Embry-Riddle Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium (2017)
• “360 Views of Potential Liability Issues from the Perspectives of the Aviation Industry,” The Forum on Air & Space Law (2017)
• “Airport Security Using a Real World Threat Scenario,” State Bar of Texas Aviation Section Meeting (June 2017)
• “What is Trending in the Aviation Industry and Cooperation Amongst Parties in Insurance Claims,” Embry-Riddle Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium (2015)
• International Aviation Women’s Association Legal Panel Discussion (2014)
• “DOT Regulations as to Passenger Delays and Rights and their Ramifications,” Embry-Riddle Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium (2011)
• “Opening Statement Strategy and Considerations,” Embry-Riddle Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium (2010)
• “Recent Developments in Aviation Law,” Embry-Riddle Aviation Law/Insurance Symposium (2009)
• “Challenges in the Aviation/Transportation Industry for Women: The Last 20 Years,” WTS – Advancing Women in Transportation (2008)
• “Germs on a Plane: U.S. Litigation Considerations for Airline Food Borne Illness Claims,” International Air Transport Association Food Safety Forum (2008)
• “Nonrefundable Airline Ticket Class Action: How Preemption Under the Airline Deregulation Act Precluded Claims,” International Association of Defense Counsel, Newsletter (2007)
• “What Happens After The Sun Sets: NTSB Investigations and Recommendations for Action and the FAA’s Response,” Embry-Riddle Aviation Law/Insurance Symposium (2006)
• “FAA Oversight of Aircraft Maintenance Outsourcing to Certified and Non-Certified FAA Repair Stations,” IADC Newsletter (2006)
• “The Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft Certifications Take Flight,” Journal of Air Law & Commerce Symposium (2005)
• “The New Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft Regulation,” IADC Newsletter (2004)
• “Professionalism and Civility in the Practice of Aviation Law – The VORs and GPSs Which Guide Our Practice,” 64 Journal of Air Law & Commerce 811 (1999)
• “The Americans With Disabilities Act as it Relates to Employment in the Aviation Industry: Navigating Through Uncontrolled Airspace,” 64 Journal of Air Law & Commerce 459 (1999)
• “The Warsaw Convention’s Facelift: Will It Meet the Needs of 21st Century Air Travel?,” 62, Issue 4, at 1083, Journal of Air Law & Commerce (1997)
• “Wisely Choose or Lose, Critical Forum Considerations in Aviation Cases,” The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, July 1995 Annual Convention
• “How Can You Be Two Places At Once When You’re Not Anywhere At All?” co-authored, Vol. 10 No. 6, at 81, Texas Personal Injury Law Reporter (1993)
• “Frequent Flyer Coupon Brokering: A Valid Trade?,” Volume 55, Issue 3 at, 727, Journal of Air Law & Commerce (1990)

In the News

• “Four Different Ways the 737 MAX Crashes Might Land Boeing in Court,” The Points Guy (March 2019)

• St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School, Board Member, 2019
• Texas State Bar – Aviation Section, Past Chair
• International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA)
  • Current Advisory Board Member
  • Past President
  • Program Co-Chair, 2008-09
• Texas Women Lawyers, Past President
• Dreams Soar, Inc., Outside General Counsel
• Pilots Bar Association, Lawyer
• International Association of Defense Counsel
• Texas Association of Defense Counsel
• 99s International Organization of Women Pilots – Dallas Chapter, Past Chair
• American Bar Association
• Women in Aviation International, Dallas Chapter Past President
• WHO Foundation (Women Helping Others)
  • Past Board of Directors
  • Past Treasurer
• Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce – Women’s Business Conference
  • Chair, 2005-06
  • Conference Underwriting Chair, 2004

August 23, 2024
Newsletters

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – August 2024

View Jackson Walker’s August 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

August 15, 2024
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

June 6, 2024
Spotlight

Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.

April 15, 2024
Newsletters

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – April 2024

View Jackson Walker’s April 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

January 19, 2024
Attorney News

Brad Brown and Katherine Staton Receive Board Certification in Aviation Law; Christopher Thompson in Insurance Law

Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Dallas attorneys Brad Brown, Katherine A. Staton, and Christopher A. Thompson for obtaining Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). Brad and Katherine are now Board Certified in Aviation Law, and Chris is Board Certified in Insurance Law. This marks the first year that attorneys can obtain certification in these areas.

August 24, 2023
Newsletters

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – August 2023

View Jackson Walker’s August 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

August 17, 2023
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

June 1, 2023
Spotlight

Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.

November 17, 2022
Newsletters

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – November 2022

View Jackson Walker’s November 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

August 18, 2022
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.

More Attorney News

Aviation

Katherine has experience in aviation law which has afforded her the opportunity to work on numerous aviation cases involving major air carriers, general aviation aircraft and operations, pilot-error accidents, mid-air collisions, air traffic controller cases, class actions, and products liability cases. Katherine represents corporate aircraft owners and operators, as well as fixed based operators in cases across the United States and in countries around the globe. Katherine also assists clients with the purchase and sale of aircraft, and routinely assists with the issues related to those transactions.

Other Practice Areas

Katherine coordinates legal work for individuals and companies, using efficiencies in staffing and resolving legal issues. Katherine advises clients on all types of legal matters and provides strategic counseling for their legal decisions. Katherine joins her colleagues at Jackson Walker in their legal work with The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Amarillo, and Houston.