Office Location:
Cameron Brown Building
301 S McDowell St., Suite 900
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 372-2700
info@deanandgibson.com | Map/Directions

Attorney Profile

Susan L. Hofer 
Charlotte, North Carolina
Manager-Member
phone (704) 372-2700
fax (704) 372-1804
email shofer@deanandgibson.com

In addition to her extensive litigation experience, Susan Hofer is an FAA licensed pilot, holding commercial and certified flight instructor, instrument airplane, and glider licenses.  This combined expertise, along with a technical background from extensive patent research experience, enables her to effectively and successfully analyze and litigate aviation, products liability, and other technically-based cases.  Susan has successfully represented manufacturers, pilots, mechanics, FBOs, Part 135 operators, and others in matters involving everything from complex litigation arising from major air crashes to FAA enforcement actions. 

Susan was asked to speak at the 37th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium in Dallas, Texas in 2003 where she presented the legal requirements, ASTM standards, and practical suggestions to attorney attendees concerning preservation of evidence in aviation and other cases.  She has also spoken numerous times to various aviation and legal groups and previously taught a college course in Aviation Law. 

Susan graduated from the University of Maryland law school and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Michigan and has been admitted to practice Pro Hac Vice in many other jurisdictions.  She is also an active member of both aviation and legal organizations including the North Carolina Bar, ABA , Aviation Insurance Association, National Transportation Bar Association, Experimental Aircraft Association and is a Panel Attorney for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.  She has been elected as an officer of the Lawyer Pilots Bar Association and looks forward to presiding as President of the organization in 2008-2009.

Susan is an active pilot, who flies a Mooney 252 in the course of her law practice and for her enjoyment.

 

Areas of Practice:
Civil Litigation
Aviation Litigation
Insurance Issues
Professional Malpractice
Products liability
Litigation Percentage:
90% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Certification/Specialties:
FAA Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Airplane and Glider Pilot


Bar Admissions:
Maryland, 1988
District of Columbia, 1990
Michigan, 1992
North Carolina, 2000
U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina, 2001
U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina, 2001
U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina, 2001
Education:
University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland, 1988
J.D.


Catholic University of America, 1981
B.
Major:  Music


Honors and Awards:
FAA Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Airplane and Glider Pilot


Professional Associations and Memberships:
Mecklenburg County Bar Association
Member


American Bar Association
Member


North Carolina State Bar
Member


State Bar of Michigan
Member


State Bar of Michigan
Former Chairperson, Aviation Law Section


Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association
Secretary


N.T.S.B. Bar Association


State Bar of District of Columbia
Member


State Bar of Maryland
Member


A.O.P.A. Legal Services Plan
Member/Panel Attorney


Organization of Flying Adjusters
Associate Member