Aviation expert Rich Richards joins Barakat + Bossa as firm expands through merger

The combined firm will continue under the Barakat + Bossa name, marking a significant expansion of its service offerings with the launch of a dedicated Aviation Practice Group, chaired by Mr Richards.

As a proud member of Alliott Global Alliance, a leading worldwide alliance of independent professional firms spanning over 100 countries, Barakat + Bossa’s new aviation capability enhances both the firm’s and AGA’s ability to serve clients across the aviation, travel, and related industry sectors. 

Brian Barakat, Co-founder of Barakat + Bossa, commented:

“This merger represents a strategic step forward in our mission to deliver exceptional legal services to businesses. Rich brings unparalleled knowledge in aviation law and a deep commitment to client service. By joining our platform, he can now offer his clients access to the full spectrum of litigation capabilities and resources they need.”

Giacomo Bossa, Co-founder of Barakat + Bossa, added:

“Our clients’ needs are evolving, and this merger reflects our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Combining our international business law expertise with Rich’s aviation specialization creates a powerhouse team ready to serve aviation businesses and beyond.”

Mr Richards brings nearly three decades of experience advising U.S. and international clients on complex aviation and airport matters. A Florida Bar Board-Certified specialist in Aviation Law, he represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs), airport tenants, and developers on leasing, land use, and development projects.

His practice also includes aircraft transactions, regulatory compliance, aviation finance, and insurance. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles including Chair of a major South Florida firm’s aviation department, Vice President and General Counsel of an international cargo airline, and airport counsel to a Florida airport. He has also been instrumental in shaping aviation policy as a long-time board member and former President of the Florida Aviation Business Association, where he led legislative reforms modernizing Florida’s aircraft lien law.

Mr Richards, commented:

“Joining forces with Barakat + Bossa gives my clients access to a broader range of services, including robust litigation capabilities, without sacrificing the personalized attention they expect. As Chair of the Aviation Practice, I’m excited to build a team that delivers top-tier representation to aviation businesses and individuals, while leveraging the firm’s international platform and administrative resources.”

This merger reinforces Barakat + Bossa’s commitment to global collaboration and local excellence, expanding its depth of expertise and international reach in key markets.

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About Barakat + Bossa:

AGA's law firm representative in Miami, Florida, Barakat + Bossa is a distinguished international and Chambers-ranked business law firm, where every partner is Florida Bar Board Certified in Business Litigation. With a team of international lawyers licensed to practice in the U.S., the firm prides itself on handling cases with a multicultural approach, offering services in multiple languages to ensure the utmost comfort for our clients. Since 2004, Barakat + Bossa has been safeguarding businesses and their owners through litigation and arbitration, with a focus on non-compete agreements, commercial litigation, partnership disputes, and corporate fraud. The firm's clients span Florida and various foreign jurisdictions in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Read more

About Alliott Global Alliance:

Founded in 1979, and with 240 member firms operating out of 340+ offices in over 100 countries Alliott Global Alliance is an international alliance of independent law and accounting firms, working across the world Together as One.

Each of our members share a common goal: to learn and share knowledge, resources, and opportunities to make the world smaller and their businesses stronger. We work with a spirit of generosity and openness — so that together, we can continue to fulfil our ambitions, gain greater experience, and drive mutual success.

Alliott Global Alliance is expanding fast, and the Alliance has its sights set firmly on growing its legal and accounting membership to over 110 countries. Opportunities are available to independent professional firms in specific countries in Africa, Europe, China, the ASEAN region, Australasia, the Gulf Cooperation Council region, Central and South America and in North America. For information about membership, email membership@alliottglobal.com.