Alert 01.25.24
FAA Issues Licensing Guidance for Launch and Reentry of Space Nuclear Systems
The guidance will provide clarity and a compliance path to companies seeking permission to launch or reenter space-based nuclear technologies.
Clients say Laura ‘provides sound legal opinions. I would be lost without her ’ and she ‘works very collaboratively in the space.’
Laura Jennings Ochoa, a member of the firm’s Aviation, Aerospace and Transportation group, has extensive aviation and airline experience working with U.S. agencies in civil and administrative matters.
Prior to joining Pillsbury, Laura was a litigation and dispute resolution counsel at another law firm and an attorney with both the DOT and the FAA. She also was appointed for a six-month term as special assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. During her tenure with the DOT, Laura was responsible for enforcing aviation consumer protection regulations, civil rights requirements, and unauthorized operations against domestic and international carriers. She also handled aviation economic licensing matters.
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At the FAA, Laura was responsible for enforcing Federal Aviation Regulation certificate action and civil penalty cases. Laura also first-chaired administrative law hearings, briefed cases on appeal before the NTSB, and briefed and argued cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeals.
While serving the federal government, as well as in private practice, Laura has provided pro bono service for various organizations in the metro Washington, DC, area.
Representative Experience
- Counsels and represents Asian, Latin American and European airlines before the DOT, FAA, CBP and TSA in enforcement matters and in obtaining all approvals to operate to the United States.
- Advises international airlines on licensing, bilateral, joint venture and commercial matters.
Professional Highlights
- Recognized in Chambers USA, Aviation: Regulatory–Nationwide (2020 – 2023)
- Recognized by The Legal 500 U.S., Transport: Aviation and Air Travel Regulation (2019) and as a Rising Star (2021 – 2023)
- In addition to her regular practice, she also advises on various pro bono matters on behalf of the DC Legal Aid and Children’s Law Center.
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- Capital Pro Bono High Honor Roll (2018)
- Associations
- American Bar Association, Forum on Air and Space Law
- International Aviation Womens Association
- International Aviation Club
- Aero Club of Washington, Board Member
- Speaking Engagements
- “Regulating New Technologies?” Revolution.Aero Global 2021, June 30, 2021. Moderator.
- International Aviation Club, June 16, 2020. Virtual Event.
- "Current, Short-Term and Longer-Term Financial Prospects for the Airline Industry in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Webinar, International Aviation Club, June 16, 2020. Moderator.
- “Regulatory Update: DOT, FAA and TSA: Regulatory Reform Update and Enforcement Philosophies,” American Bar Association Forum on Air & Space Law, February 22, 2019. Washington, DC. Moderator.
- External Publications
- “The International Comparative Legal Guide to: Aviation Law 2016," Chapter 31 – USA, Authors: Laura Jennings Ochoa, Winter 2016
- “DOT Consumer Protection: Regulations and Enforcement,” Chapter 12 of Aviation Regulation in the Unites States, Authors: Laura Jennings Ochoa, July 2014
- Firm Publications
- Texas: State and Local COVID-19 Social Distancing Measures, Authors: Amanda G. Halter, Laura Jennings Ochoa, Elin I. Isenhower, Julie M. Moeller, 04/07/2020
- Airline Stimulus Plans in the U.S. and Europe in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Authors: Rakhi Savjani, Graham Tyler, Laura Jennings Ochoa, 03/30/2020
- Pillsbury’s Post-Election Outlook, Authors: Deborah S. Thoren-Peden, Stephan E. Becker, The Honorable Gregory H. Laughlin, Elizabeth Vella Moeller, Emily B. Erlingsson, Craig J. Saperstein, Gerry Hinkley (Unpublished), Brian E. Finch, Aimee P. Ghosh, Jeffrey S. Merrifield, Matthew Oresman, Charles F. Donley II, Edward W. Sauer, Laura Jennings Ochoa, Meghan Claire Hammond, 11/07/2018
Education
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J.D., Widener University School of Law, 2007
cum laude, Manuscript Editor, Widener Law ReviewB.A., The George Washington University, 2003
magna cum laude
Admissions
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District of Columbia
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Courts
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit