• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Kaplan Kirsch LLPKaplan Kirsch LLP
  • Denver
  • New York
  • San Francisco
  • Washington, DC
  • People
  • Practices
  • Projects
  • Publications
Peter J. Kirsch
Alternate image for Peter J. Kirsch

Peter J. Kirsch

Partner

  • Airports|
  • Environment|
  • Government and Public Policy|
Denver
303.825.7000C 303.898.1665
Washington, DC
202.596.1112
pkirsch@kaplankirsch.com
  • Overview
  • Representative Experience
  • Resources and News
PrintEmail

I am passionate about transportation infrastructure and excited to help my clients envision, plan and realize these projects. I am especially energized by complex public policy problems that beg for creative solutions – whether for projects, litigation or counseling. I also take my clients’ interests and goals very personally and appreciate that every project brings unique challenges and that every client’s needs and political realities are likewise unique. I try to understand and adapt to these particular needs in approaching problems. Finally, I know that too few lawyers understand the importance of clear, plain-English communications. Since my clients are usually not lawyers, I work hard to not be a stuffy lawyer – and to translate complex legal issues into practical, useful language.

Peter’s practice focuses on development and regulation of transportation and other infrastructure. Peter’s clients primarily include local and state governments but also private sector entities and public interest groups in negotiations and litigation over project development and land use approvals, the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects, and compliance with federal transportation law and regulations.

For more than 35 years, Peter has focused his practice on the development of airport infrastructure, including many of the new commercial airports in the U.S. as well as dozens of airport expansions, redevelopment projects, and development of airport land for non-aeronautical projects. He advises airport sponsors on financial matters, regulatory compliance, leasing, land use issues, environmental impacts, and relations with their host communities.

Peter provides counsel to airports on creative and precedent-setting development and concession arrangements. Public-private partnerships have become a focus on his practice in recent years, and he has represented both airports and private sector investors in airport management and development projects.

For many of his infrastructure projects, Peter advises clients on compliance with federal environmental laws, with a particular focus on the National Environmental Policy Act and on the regulatory strings that come attached to federal funding of transportation infrastructure or use of federal lands.

Representative Experience

New Haven, CT. Represented the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority in a complex and unique transaction with Avports, LLC to lease and manage the airport, promote air service, develop a new passenger terminal, and extend the airport’s sole runway.  In addition to negotiating leases and management contracts, the Firm assisted in securing numerous federal approvals including environmental reviews and approvals.

Everett (Seattle area), WA. Represents both the airport sponsor and the private sector operator in a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership to accommodate commercial airline service for the first time at this large industrial airport in suburban Seattle; work for the sponsor included federal environmental review, negotiations with the private terminal developer, and work on relations with nearby communities; representation of the private sector developer included negotiations with air carriers and financial partners in development of the terminal and crafting of terminal use regulations. This project was awarded the 2019 Innovation Project of the Year by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships.  Recent work includes renegotiation of the lease agreement to allow for substantial expansion of the passenger terminal.

Las Vegas area, NV. Providing counsel for more than 25 years for the effort to plan for a second commercial service airport for Las Vegas and southern Nevada; counseling on preparation of environmental documentation, planning, and federal regulatory efforts involving coordination among several federal agencies; providing continuing advice on federal regulatory compliance and airspace protection for both the proposed new airport and for the existing Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).  The Firm also provides continuing counsel on federal regulatory compliance, noise mitigation, environmental reviews, and adaption to new industry business models for all of the airports operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Represented the airport sponsor in preparation of environmental documentation for reconstruction and renovation of entire terminal and gate complex and in related negotiations; representation on complex federal regulatory matters concerning airport operations and compliance with federal security, safety and operational regulations.  The Firm successfully represented the sponsor in the dismissal of inverse condemnation litigation over noise impacts from operations at a new runway and assisted in a wide range of matters related to the airline use and lease agreement.  The Firm successfully represented the sponsor in litigation by airlines over gate allocations.

Dallas Love Field Airport. Represented the City in negotiation of a new airline use and lease agreement and for approvals for an ambitious $2 billion+ redevelopment program.  Previously assisted the sponsor in creation and defense of complex gate allocation methodology in light of federal cap on terminal capacity; including drafting allocation procedures and assisting with defense of lengthy state and federal litigation among carriers, the FAA, and the sponsor over that allocation approach.  The Firm also advises the City on competition issues, compliance with FAA Grant Assurances, federal regulatory matters, and strategies in connection with airline use and lease agreements.

State of Hawaii. The Firm represents the Hawaii Department of Transportation – Airports Division on federal regulatory compliance for the fourteen state-owned airports.  The Firm’s work has included defense of Part 16 administrative proceedings, renegotiation of a lease and use agreement with the Department of Defense for an airport located on federal land, development of a new FBO, and negotiations for a large cargo facility.

Naples Municipal Airport, FL. For more than 25 years, the Firm has represented the sponsor of this large general aviation airport in a wide range of legal issues in connection with addressing community noise concerns and regulatory compliance matters.  The Firm assisted the sponsor in adoption of the nation’s first – and only – successful noise restriction since enactment of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act in 1990.  The Firm’s representation has included successful defense of several lawsuits related to those efforts as well as defense of FAA investigations concerning compliance with the sponsor’s federal obligations.  Since the sponsor is also the FBO, the Firm’s work has included counsel on matters of relations with airport users and business matters related to operation of the FBO.

Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, MS.  The Firm has represented the Airport Authority in litigation over annexation of the airport by neighboring municipalities (which was successfully settled) and in litigation over efforts by the state to take over the Authority.  The Firm is assisting the Authority in the procurement for a design-build-finance project for private investment and development of a new passenger terminal.

Resources and News

Awards and Recognition

Law Alerts

News

Presentations

Publications

TRB Publications

  • Kaplan Kirsch Recognized in Chambers and Partners 2026 Editions

    Awards and Recognition | June 5, 2026
  • The Best Lawyers in America® Announces Lawyer Rankings for 2026, Firm Attorneys Included

    Awards and Recognition | August 21, 2025
  • Kaplan Kirsch Attorneys Recognized Among 2025 Colorado Super Lawyers®

    Awards and Recognition | March 26, 2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America® Announces Lawyer Rankings, Firm Attorneys Included

    Awards and Recognition | August 15, 2024
  • view all
  • FAA/DOT Issues Significant Updates to Grant Programs

    Law Alerts | April 25, 2025
  • Airport Law Alert – Airport Law in the Time of COVID-19

    Law Alerts | May 6, 2020
  • Federal District Court Invalidates “Immigration Enforcement Condition” on Transportation Grants Nationwide

    News | November 4, 2025
  • DOT Revises All DBE and ACDBE Rules

    News | October 2, 2025
  • Kaplan Kirsch Attorneys Recognized Among 2025 Colorado Super Lawyers®

    Awards and Recognition | March 26, 2025
  • FAA Issues Guidance on New Categorical Exclusion for Airport Projects

    News | January 7, 2025
  • view all
  • AAAE 98th annual Conference & Exposition

    Presentations | May 5, 2026
  • AAAE National Airports Conference

    Presentations | September 28, 2025
  • Hot Topics in Airport Law

    Presentations | September 22, 2025
  • 41st annual Airport Law Workshop

    Presentations | October 5-7, 2025
  • view all
  • Airports, Engineers and the FAA: A New Way Forward

    Publications | January 25, 2026
  • Airports Responding to Public Health Emergencies: Legal Considerations

    Publications | April 12, 2023
  • Options and Analysis of Major Provisions in Airport Concessions Contracts

    Publications | December 20, 2022
  • Legal Impediments to Airport P3s in the United States

    Publications | January 12, 2022
  • view all
  • Airports Responding to Public Health Emergencies: Legal Considerations

    Publications | April 12, 2023
  • ACRP Legal Research Digest 40: Permissible Uses of Airport Property and Revenue

    Publications | December 3, 2020
  • ACRP Insight Event – Public-Private Partnerships: What Are the Lessons Learned?

    Publications | July 10, 2019
  • ACRP Legal Research Digest 36: Legal Issues Related to Implementation and Operation of SMS for Airports

    Publications | November 30, 2018
  • view all

Primary Sidebar

Practices

  • Airline Bankruptcy
  • Airline Use & Lease Agreements
  • Airport Energy & Electrification Law
  • Airport Environmental Impacts & Conformity
  • Airport Litigation
  • Airport Noise
  • Airspace
  • Endangered Species & Wildlife Issues
  • Environment
  • Environmental Impact Reviews
  • Environmental Litigation
  • Establishing New Organizations, Programs, and Building Capacity
  • Financial Matters
  • Funding and Operating Airports through P3s
  • Grant Assurance Compliance
  • Innovative Technology & Project Delivery
  • Intergovernmental Agreements
  • Land Use & Zoning
  • Military Base Closure & Redevelopment
  • Multi-Modal Transportation Facilities
  • Project Development
  • Project Funding and Delivery
  • Public Financing for Infrastructure
  • Public Meetings, Open Records, and Participation in the Public Process
  • Real Estate Development & Transactions
  • Real Estate, Land Use, and Zoning Litigation
  • Rules and Regulations and Minimum Standards
  • Safety & Security
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems / Drones & Advanced Air Mobility

Education

  • J.D., University of Chicago, 1984
  • B.A., Oberlin College, with highest honors, 1979

Clerkships

  • Law Clerk, Judge Alfred T. Goodwin, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, 1984–1985

Bar & Court Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 1997
  • District of Columbia, 1988
  • Maryland, 1987
  • Washington, 1984

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Colorado
  • U.S. District Court, Connecticut
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, Maryland
  • U.S. District Court, Nebraska
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District, Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Western District, Washington

Organizations

  • Board of Trustees, The Denver Foundation (2020–Present; Vice Chair 2022–2025; Chair 2026–Present)
  • Airport Consultants Council (Board of Directors 2018–2022; ACC Foundation 2019–2025)
  • Colorado and Southwest Advisory Board, Trust for Public Land (2012–Present; Vice Chair 2016–2025)
  • Board of Directors, Conservation Colorado and Conservation Colorado Education Fund (2004–2006, 2010–2019; Chair 2012–2016) (including service with predecessor, Colorado Conservation Voters)
  • Board of Trustees, Denver Botanic Gardens (2012–2017)
  • Denver Cultural Council (2014–2016)
  • Board of Trustees, Museum of Contemporary Art - Denver (2005–2012)
  • Board of Trustees, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (2004–2010; Chair 2006–2008)
  • Board of Trustees, Oberlin College (2000–2007; Executive Committee 2003–2006)
  • Chair, Bromwell School CDM [Governance] Committee (2002–2004)
  • Board of Trustees, River Network (1993–2002; Chair 1999–2001)
  • Chair, Transportation Section, International Municipal Lawyers Association (1996–1997)

Honors

  • Best Lawyers in America® , Litigation - Environmental (2021-2023, 2025-Present)
  • Super Lawyers®, Aviation and Aerospace Law; Environmental Law; Land Use/Zoning Law (2012–Present)
  • Recipient, John Vance Award, National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board (2021)

Resources

  • P3 Airport Projects: An Introduction for Airport Lawyers (Second Edition)
  • P3 Airport Projects: An Introduction for Airport Lawyers
  • FAA Proposals for Safety Management Systems Discussion Paper
  • Guide to Airport Noise Rules and Use Restrictions
  • Co-Editor, Airport Law Desk Reference (annual editions 2012- current)
  • Co-Author, P3 Airport Projects: An Introduction for Airport Lawyers
  • Co-Author, Guide to Airport Noise Rules and Use Restrictions
  • Author, Discussion Paper: FAA Proposals for Safety Management Systems
  • Co-Author, Navigating Section 163: A Guide to Facilitating Non Aeronautical Development
  • Chapter Author, Legal Impediments to Airport P3s in the United States, in Handbook on Public Private Partnerships in Transportation, Vol I. Competitive Government: Public Private Partnerships
  • Co-Author, AAAE “Finance Assessment and Options” Paper

Peter J. Kirsch's Projects

  • FAA Air Traffic Control Towers

    Nationwide
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport

    California
  • Harry Reid International Airport

    Nevada
  • NextGen Flight Patterns at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

    Arizona
  • Paine Field Commercial Service and Passenger Terminal

    Washington
  • Over The River™

    Colorado
projects that keep life moving®
  • Sitemap
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Denver
  • New York
  • San Francisco
  • Washington, DC
Kaplan Kirsch LLP
© 2026 Kaplan Kirsch LLP Site by
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
__cf_bm1 hourThis cookie, set by Cloudflare, is used to support Cloudflare Bot Management.
algoliasearch-client-js1 yearNecessary in order to optimize the web site's search-bar function . The cookie ensures accurate and fast search results.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-unclassified1 yearDescription is currently not available.
CookieLawInfoConsent1 yearCookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
_ga1 yearRegisters a unique ID that is used to generate statistical data on how the visitor uses the web site.
_ga_#1 yearUsed by Google Analytics to collect data on the number of times a user has visited the web site as well as dates for the first and most recent visit.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
ads/ga-audiences1 yearUsed by Google AdWords to re-engage visitors that are likely to convert to customers based on the visitor's online behavior across web sites.
guest_id1 year 1 monthTwitter sets this cookie to identify and track the website visitor. It registers if a user is signed in to the Twitter platform and collects information about ad preferences.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Unclassified
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo
Kaplan Kirsch LLP
  • People
  • Practices
  • Projects
  • Publications
  • About Us
  • Resources and News
  • Locations
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Subscribe