A Name and a Mission that Fulfills its Promise
The mission of Aerlex Law Group has always been simple: to provide the private and business aviation community with exceptional legal services; support our clients across transactions, corporate, regulatory, tax, and litigation matters; and be the leading law firm in our specialized field—helping aviators do what they do best: FLY!
Our Story
“I wanted a name that would be unique and memorable while, at the same time, vividly and concisely describes what we are about. I decided on ‘Aerlex,’ meaning ‘Air Law’ in Latin, which is also the historic language of the law.”
– Stephen Hofer –
Founded With Vision
When founder and president Stephen Hofer began thinking about starting a new law firm in 2005, he knew that service to the aviation community would be one of the firm’s principal missions. Since then, Aerlex has developed an international reputation for providing the highest quality legal services.
Worldwide Successes
The firm has handled hundreds of whole and fractional aircraft transactions with an aggregate value of more than four billion U.S. dollars, and has closed aircraft purchases on every continent except Antarctica.
Vast Representation of A-list Clients
Long Hollywood’s “go to” law firm for aviation matters — Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winners, Fortune 100 corporations, airlines and major charter operators.
Multi-skilled Experts & Litigators
Beyond aircraft acquisitions, Aerlex supports clients in corporate, contract, tax, labor and employment, real estate, regulatory law, and litigation — admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Our Philosophy
The mission of the Aerlex Law Group is to provide each and every one of our clients with the highest quality of legal services and to do so in a manner that is impassioned, ethical and cost-effective.
Our firm endeavors to serve the aviation community specifically with insightful and sophisticated legal advice, applying these same high standards of excellence to non-aviation clients in corporate, contract, tax, labor and employment, real estate and litigation matters.
The mission of the Aerlex Law Group is to provide each and every one of our clients with the highest quality of legal services and to do so in a manner that is impassioned, ethical and cost-effective.
Our firm endeavors to serve the aviation community specifically with insightful and sophisticated legal advice, applying these same high standards of excellence to non-aviation clients in corporate, contract, tax, labor and employment, real estate and litigation matters.
Meet the Team
Get to know the people behind Aerlex—experienced professionals committed to protecting your interests and achieving the right results.
Stephen Hofer
President
Jonathan S. Morse
Of Counsel
Jennifer Wright
Paralegal
Robert Frost
Aviation Certification and Compliance Consultant
Jullie Alston
Tax Consultant
Mark A. Foreman
Accounting Manager
[email protected]
John R. Youngman
Firm Administrator
[email protected]
Jason Pence
Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]
Got Questions?
What is the International Registry and do I need a user license?
The International Registry (IR) is an electronic system established under the Cape Town Convention that provides an internationally recognized way to register and protect interests in qualifying aircraft, engines, and other aviation assets. Registration establishes priority on a first-to-file basis and is an important part of many aircraft transactions.
If you are buying, selling, or financing a qualifying aircraft, you will generally need an active IR user license. Aerlex can handle the application process, registrations, renewals, and other IR requirements on your behalf, helping ensure the transaction is properly protected and does not experience unnecessary closing delays.
What should I know before flying charter instead of owning?
Chartering can be an attractive alternative to aircraft ownership, particularly if you fly infrequently or want to avoid the costs and responsibilities associated with owning and operating an aircraft. However, not all charter operators are the same.
Before booking a charter, it is important to verify that you are dealing with a properly authorized operator, understand who has operational control of the flight, and review the terms and costs of the arrangement. The FAA specifically warns consumers about indicators of illegal charter operations, including arrangements that improperly transfer operational control to the passenger.
Aerlex can help clients evaluate charter arrangements and navigate the FAA and DOT regulatory requirements that apply to private and commercial aviation.
Can I avoid state sales and use tax on an aircraft purchase?
Sometimes. State sales and use tax rules vary significantly depending on the state, aircraft, ownership structure, intended use, and circumstances of the transaction. Certain legally permitted exemptions and tax planning strategies may substantially reduce or eliminate state sales or use tax, but they must be structured correctly before the purchase.
Aerlex advises clients during the pre-acquisition phase to identify available exemptions and structure the transaction in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements
Does Aerlex handle matters outside of aviation?
Yes. Although aviation is at the heart of Aerlex’s practice, the firm also provides legal services in areas including business law, employment and labor matters, tax, litigation, and related corporate and real estate matters.
Aerlex has assisted clients with matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions and employment issues to leasing land, construction of buildings and hangars, tax matters, litigation, and regulatory proceedings
What is the International Registry and do I need a user license?
The International Registry (IR) is an electronic system established under the Cape Town Convention that provides an internationally recognized way to register and protect interests in qualifying aircraft, engines, and other aviation assets. Registration establishes priority on a first-to-file basis and is an important part of many aircraft transactions.
If you are buying, selling, or financing a qualifying aircraft, you will generally need an active IR user license. Aerlex can handle the application process, registrations, renewals, and other IR requirements on your behalf, helping ensure the transaction is properly protected and does not experience unnecessary closing delays.
What should I know before flying charter instead of owning?
Chartering can be an attractive alternative to aircraft ownership, particularly if you fly infrequently or want to avoid the costs and responsibilities associated with owning and operating an aircraft. However, not all charter operators are the same.
Before booking a charter, it is important to verify that you are dealing with a properly authorized operator, understand who has operational control of the flight, and review the terms and costs of the arrangement. The FAA specifically warns consumers about indicators of illegal charter operations, including arrangements that improperly transfer operational control to the passenger.
Aerlex can help clients evaluate charter arrangements and navigate the FAA and DOT regulatory requirements that apply to private and commercial aviation.
Can I avoid state sales and use tax on an aircraft purchase?
Sometimes. State sales and use tax rules vary significantly depending on the state, aircraft, ownership structure, intended use, and circumstances of the transaction. Certain legally permitted exemptions and tax planning strategies may substantially reduce or eliminate state sales or use tax, but they must be structured correctly before the purchase.
Aerlex advises clients during the pre-acquisition phase to identify available exemptions and structure the transaction in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements
Does Aerlex handle matters outside of aviation?
Yes. Although aviation is at the heart of Aerlex’s practice, the firm also provides legal services in areas including business law, employment and labor matters, tax, litigation, and related corporate and real estate matters.
Aerlex has assisted clients with matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions and employment issues to leasing land, construction of buildings and hangars, tax matters, litigation, and regulatory proceedings