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Overview

Amanda’s significant experience advising aviation clients positions her as a major player in procurement and aircraft acquisitions.

She efficiently handles transactional work for local, national and international clients, primarily in the commercial airline and business aviation industries. Amanda negotiates and manages commercial contracts for ongoing business operations and manages large books of procurement contracts, including for Fortune 500 companies.

Amanda is one of a small population of U.S. attorneys involved in major aircraft acquisitions. She has handled billion-dollar purchasing transactions of large aircraft and has served as special counsel in providing lex situs options for foreign lenders in connection with aircraft acquisition, disposition and financing transactions.

Clients also seek Amanda’s advice on regulatory matters with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). She is the only attorney at the firm to hold a DOT Certificate of Authorization, which allows aircraft charter companies to operate large aircraft as part of their charter operations.

Throughout her career, Amanda has been seconded with multiple clients. These “in-house” experiences give her unique insight into the everyday realities that clients face. Amanda also counsels clients on the lawful commercial use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and closely monitors development of the regulatory framework for UAS.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Springfield Business Journal, "20 Most Influential Women," 2017
  • Missouri Lawyers Weekly, "Up & Coming Lawyer," 2015
  • Springfield Business Journal, "40 Under 40," 2015

Education

  • J.D., University of Missouri School of Law
    • Journal of Dispute Resolution, Associate Member; Layout and Design Editor
  • B.S., Missouri State University
    • summa cum laude

Admissions

  • Missouri

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
  • The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
Experience

Aircraft Acquisition and Disposition

  • Represented airline in firm order of 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, plus options, and restructuring of existing purchase and other agreements regarding Boeing 787, 737NG and 777 aircraft and associated engines.
  • Served as co-counsel for commercial airline in connection with largest aircraft order in history (935 firm and option aircraft), including classic and new engine aircraft.
  • Served as counsel for commercial airline in engine selection campaigns for Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
  • Advised commercial airline on multiple used aircraft dispositions.
  • Served as special counsel in providing lex situs opinions for foreign lenders in connection with U.S. deliveries of new and used aircraft.
  • Represented major commercial airline in the negotiation of purchase agreements for 85 of Airbus's A321neo family aircraft and 85 of Boeing's 737 MAX 10 aircraft, co-leading aircraft transactions.

General Commercial Contracts

  • Served as outside general counsel for major maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for large aircraft engines.
  • Managed large books of procurement work for Fortune 500 company.
  • Amid COVID-19 pandemic, assisted New York City–based startup in drafting buy- and sell-side agreements to source and import to the United States much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.

Secondments

  • Provided outside general counsel services for major business aviation maintenance and overhaul facility, including negotiation of completion agreements for large VIP aircraft.
  • Served as temporary in-house commercial counsel for large multinational privately held company.

Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Represented client in acquisition of new automotive dealership, which involved organization of new buyer affiliated entity for purposes of acquisition; acquisition of underlying real property; acquisition of dealership furniture, fixtures, equipment, and new and used vehicle inventories; coordination and support in regard to new OEM dealer approval required for purchasing entity; coordination of buyer's floor-plan financing and settlement of seller's existing floor plan; and coordination and support in connection with financing for purchase of real property and operating capital loan for new business.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

  • Obtained exemptions from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Section 333 of FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to allow for commercial use of UAS.

Aviation and DOT License

  • Obtained Department of Transportation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which allows aircraft charter companies to operate large aircraft as part of their charter operations.
Outside the Office

Amanda spends her free time with her husband and two young sons. They enjoy going to the lake and camping on the weekends.

Community Leadership

Amanda works with Harmony House to help families live free from domestic violence and abuse.

Amanda actively participated on the Harmony House board from 2012 to 2017. During that time, she assisted with a capital campaign that raised funds to build a new 168-bed shelter. Amanda served as chair during most of the construction. Harmony House provides safe, secure emergency housing to families fleeing domestic violence situations.

  • Junior League of Springfield, Sustaining Member
Innovate Team

As the liaison for the firm's Innovate Team in the Springfield market, Amanda is an on-the-ground legal resource for startups and entrepreneurs.

The Innovate Team helps new businesses accelerate the development and commercialization of their research, technologies and ideas. Amanda provides educational programs, such as “lunch and learn” events, and is involved in the accelerator program, mostly on a consulting basis. She talks with business owners about basics such as contracts, how to engage an attorney and what to expect from a professional service provider.