Industry

Aerospace and Defense

The aerospace and defense industry has played an integral role in the growth of Los Angeles since the early 1900s. Munger, Tolles & Olson has grown with this industry and has represented some of its largest companies in their most significant matters.

Munger Tolles has substantial experience representing aerospace and defense clients both domestically and abroad in a range of matters, including False Claims Act (FCA) cases, alleged whistleblower claims, internal investigations and compliance reviews, environmental actions and contract disputes. We have represented clients in congressional and Justice Department investigations, Foreign Corrupt Practice Act cases and taking major cases to trial for these companies. 

Our litigation work includes representing:

  • Argon ST, a subsidiary of Boeing, in obtaining summary judgment on trade secret causes of action related to power amplifier technology in a satellite system after taking the case on the eve of trial.
  • Boeing in:
    • winning a reversal of a $604 million verdict awarded to ICO Global Communications Holdings Ltd., which had alleged that Boeing committed a breach of contract by building a satellite communications network.
    • securing a dismissal with prejudice of a trade secrets action filed under RICO by Lockheed-Martin.
    • its settlement with Alabama Aircraft Industries Inc. for the failure to complete aircraft maintenance after the company filed for bankruptcy.
    • securing summary judgment in a retaliation and labor and employment action brought by a former Boeing employee under the FCA and settling the remainder of the case on very favorable terms.
  • Northrop Grumman in:
    • securing a plaintiff’s verdict in a federal court bench trial in Virginia on a claim against the U.S. Air Force for payment for out-of-scope work on an aircraft contract.
    • a federal court case against the Canadian government and a Canadian defense contractor arising from a technology license for Northrop’s F-5 fighter aircraft. The case settled favorably for our client.
  • Raytheon in obtaining summary judgment against a quality engineer’s allegations that the company had violated the FCA and then obtaining affirmation of the summary judgment from the Ninth Circuit.

Contact:
Brad D. Brian