M.S., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2016 J.D., cum laude, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 2012 B.A., magna cum laude, Hunter College, 2009
Colorado District of Columbia New York U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit United States Supreme Court
Steven Osit represents public entities throughout the United States with respect to the development and operation of airports and rail transit systems. Having previously served multiple posts within the U.S. Department of Transportation, Steven counsels clients on a wide range of federal regulatory matters and the negotiation of complex airport transactions. He frequently represents clients in administrative and judicial litigation arising from regulatory compliance, contract disputes, accident investigations, and the review of federal agency actions and rulemakings. Steven recently served as the Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Transportation Section, and as the Associate Member of the ACI-NA Legal Affairs Committee’s Steering Group.
Steven began his legal career as an Honors Attorney at the U.S. Department of Transportation, and clerked for the Office of Aviation and Admiralty Litigation in the U.S. Department of Justice during law school. Prior to law school, he was the Director of Information Technology at a prominent college in New York City. Steven is a certificated private pilot.
Outside Counsel to Airport Sponsors Represented various airport sponsors in proceedings under Part 13 and Part 16 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as well as informal challenges regarding rates and charges imposed by ordinance, revenue diversion, access restrictions, and unjust discrimination among aeronautical users; advised various airport sponsors on opposing development projects in nearby jurisdictions or at neighboring airports deemed detrimental to the sponsors’ and airport users’ interests
Airways International, Ltd. Represented foreign air navigation services provider in negotiating its license of proprietary software to the FAA to aid in the FAA’s selection of air traffic controller candidates
Clark County, Nevada Advised the sponsor of the McCarran International Airport and the Henderson Executive Airport regarding the accommodation of alternative air carrier business models and irregular services
Delaware River and Bay Authority, Delaware Represented the sponsor of the Cape May Airport in connection with a land use compliance inspection conducted by the FAA and associated follow-up as well as matters pertaining to the use of unmanned aerial systems in the vicinity of the Airport
Grand Rapids, Michigan Represented the sponsor of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in developing a competitive procurement for a new Fixed Based Operator facility and negotiating a long-term ground lease and development agreement with the awarded bidder
Heber City, Utah Represent the sponsor of the Heber Valley Airport regarding various disputes with its fixed-based operator and other airport tenants, and in revising the Airport’s governing documents to comport with best practices
Muslim Advocates Provided pro bono assistance to Muslim Advocates, a national legal advocacy and educational organization, in connection with various airlines who were denied boarding to lawful permanent residents and visa holders traveling to the United States in response to Executive Orders issued by President Trump
Page, Arizona Represented the sponsor of the Page Municipal Airport in securing a $4 million Alternate Essential Air Service grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to continue 30-seat jet service to connecting large hubs
Philadelphia, PA Advised the sponsor of the Philadelphia International Airport on the development of an innovative COVID-19 Air Service Recovery and Incentive Program, designed to expedite air service recovery
Rental Car Bankruptcies Represent a consortium of airport operators in The Hertz Corporation and Advantage rental car bankruptcies
Telluride Regional Airport Authority, CO Successfully represented the operator of the Telluride Regional Airport in litigation arising from an aircraft that crashed while attempting to land on a runway during snow removal operations
Commuter Rail Authorities Represent various public commuter rail authorities regarding their statutory and/or contractual rights to operate over Amtrak territory, various negotiations with Amtrak and other host railroads, and the regulatory status and classification of operating entities and railroad lines
Atlanta Development Authority, Georgia Represented Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) and Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) in proceedings at the Surface Transportation Board addressing—and ultimately confirming—the process by which ABI and ADA acquired a railroad line for use in developing ABI’s “emerald necklace” around the City
Abertis Infraestructuras S.A. Advised foreign investor in connection with its due diligence concerning the toll-setting methodology on a private toll-road concession in connection with its indicative bid
Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, California Represent the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in proceedings at the FRA, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in connection with the FRA’s System Safety Plan rulemaking, and in various proceedings before the Surface Transportation Board in connection related to the cost sharing methodology mandated by Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement (PRIIA) for state-supported intercity passenger routes
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, California Represent the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in establishing a pilot program under the FRA’s Hours of Service Laws, and securing waivers of FRA regulatory requirements on shared freight corridor
State of Delaware Represent the State of Delaware in a challenge to an order of the Surface Transportation Board that found Delaware’s law limiting unnecessary locomotive idling preempted under the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act
South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Florida Represented the Transportation Authority with respect to an investigation by the NTSB regarding a grade-crossing accident involving an Amtrak train operating on the rail corridor managed by the Authority